Lancl ligands

ABSTRACT

Provided are compounds that target the lanthionine synthetase C-like (LANCL) family of proteins, including LANCL2 and LANCL3. The compounds can be used to treat conditions such as inflammatory diseases, metabolic diseases, autoimmune diseases, cancers, and infectious diseases. Exemplary conditions include inflammatory conditions of the liver, such as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, and cirrhosis; inflammatory conditions of the bile duct, such as primary biliary cholangitis, primary sclerosing cholangitis; inflammatory bowel disease, such as Crohn&#39;s disease and ulcerative colitis; lupus, such as systemic lupus erythematosus, lupus nephritis, and cutaneous lupus; arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis; hyperglycemia, such as type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, and prediabetes and associated conditions such as atherosclerosis and diabetic kidney disease; psoriasis; and multiple sclerosis.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to ligands of lanthionine synthetaseC-like (LANCL) proteins, including LANCL2 and LANCL3, and methods oftreating diseases and disorders with same.

BACKGROUND

The lanthionine synthetase C-like (LANCL) family of proteins iscomprised of three signaling proteins (LANCL1, LANCL2, and LANCL3) thatare at the interface of immunity and metabolism. While LANCL1 islocalized to the central nervous system, LANCL2 and LANCL3 are morewidely expressed throughout the body. LANCL3 is most highly expressed inimmune cells, endocrine tissues, and squamous epithelial cells, as wellas hepatocytes and fibroblasts. LANCL1 is a glutathione transferase thatfunctions in the prevention of oxidative stress in part throughregulation of SIRT proteins [1, 2]. LANCL2 has been characterized as themammalian receptor for abscisic acid for the promotion of glycemiccontrol and is differentially expressed in regulatory CD4+ T cells withits activity associated with increased stability and suppressivefunction of these cells [3-5]. Unlike LANCL1 and LANCL2, which areexpressed on the plasma membrane, LANCL3 is associated with themitochondria. As such, the loss of LANCL3 is associated with impairedmitochondrial metabolism as well as increased inflammatory responses inimmune cells.

There are clear clinical needs for safe, efficacious treatments fordiseases in which LANCL2 and LANCL3 are implicated. LANCL3 has beenidentified to be downregulated in unbiased transcriptomic studies ofulcerative colitis [6] and systemic lupus erythematosus [7], amongothers. Due to low efficacy and poor safety, current autoimmunetreatments require frequent monitoring, shifting treatment paradigms,and complex delivery methods. Thus, new treatments capable of beingdosed orally for long-term management of disease are needed. Ininfectious diseases, high mutation rates in various microbes necessitatethe development of novel non-antimicrobial treatments that spare the useof antibacterials, antifungals, and antivirals. Further, new strains andepidemic infections create a lag period between the emergence of apathogen and the availability of microbe-specific interventions,creating a need for novel host-targeted therapeutics. Given the epidemicof infectious and autoimmune diseases as a whole, the LANCL pathwayshave the potential to significantly impact millions of patients.

Natural compounds have been identified to bind to the LANCL family ofproteins. In particular, abscisic acid (“ABA”) is a natural compoundfound to bind to LANCL2 [5]. ABA has been shown to elicitanti-inflammatory effects and improvement of glycemic control dependenton signaling through LANCL2 [8, 9]. Binding domains for glutathione havebeen identified in LANCL1 [1]. Further, LANCL1 has been demonstrated tohave affinity for other signaling proteins in vitro [10]. Previously,synthetic compounds, such as BT-11, have been developed to target LANCL2(U.S. Pat. No. 9,556,146).

The present invention provides compounds that have been developed bynovel medicinal chemistry approaches, and screened using in silico, invitro, and in vivo techniques, to maximize their ability to bind to theLANCL family of proteins and thus to induce a beneficial response invarious disease conditions.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention provides compounds of Formula (I):

or a salt or ester thereof, wherein:

A¹ and A⁶ are each C;

A², A³, A⁴, A⁵, A⁷, A⁸, A⁹, A¹⁰, A¹¹, A¹², A¹³, A²⁰, A²¹, A²², A²³, andA²⁴ are each independently N or C(R²);

A¹⁴ and A¹⁵ are each C(O) or N(R^(L)), with the proviso that A¹⁴ and A¹⁵are not both C(O) and are not both N(R^(L));

A¹⁶, A¹⁷, A¹⁸, and A¹⁹ are each independently O, N(R²), S, N, and C(R²),with the proviso that one and only one of A¹⁶, A¹⁷, A¹⁸, and A¹⁹ is O,N(R²), or S;

represents delocalized pi bonds;

R¹, R², and R^(L) in each instance are independently hydrogen, halogen,optionally substituted alkyl, optionally substituted alkenyl, optionallysubstituted alkynyl, optionally substituted cycloalkyl, optionallysubstituted cycloalkenyl, hydroxyl, carboxyl, optionally substitutedalkyloxy, optionally substituted alkenyloxy, optionally substitutedalkynyloxy, optionally substituted cycloalkyloxy, optionally substitutedcycloalkenyloxy, thiol, optionally substituted alkylthio, optionallysubstituted alkenylthio, optionally substituted alkynylthio, optionallysubstituted alkylsulfinyl, optionally substituted alkylsulfonyl,optionally substituted alkylsulfonyloxy, optionally substitutedcycloalkylthio, optionally substituted cycloalkylsulfinyl, optionallysubstituted cycloalkylsulfonyl, optionally substitutedcycloalkylsulfonyloxy, optionally substituted cycloalkenylthio,optionally substituted cycloalkenylsulfinyl, optionally substitutedcycloalkenylsulfonyl, optionally substituted cycloalkenylsulfonyloxy,optionally substituted amino, acyl, optionally substitutedalkyloxycarbonyl, optionally substituted alkenyloxycarbonyl, optionallysubstituted alkynyloxycarbonyl, optionally substituted aryloxycarbonyl,optionally substituted carbamoyl, optionally substituted sulfamoyl,cyano, nitro, optionally substituted aryl, optionally substitutedaryloxy, optionally substituted arylthio, optionally substitutedarylsulfinyl, optionally substituted arylsulfonyl, optionallysubstituted arylsulfonyloxy, optionally substituted heteroaryl,optionally substituted heteroaryloxy, optionally substitutedheteroarylthio, optionally substituted heteroarylsulfinyl, optionallysubstituted heteroarylsulfonyl, optionally substitutedheteroarylsulfonyloxy, or an optionally substituted non-aromaticheterocyclic group.

In some versions, A⁸ is N. In some versions, at least one of A¹¹ and A¹³is N. In some versions, A¹⁷ is N, A¹⁸ is N(R²), or A¹⁷ is N and A¹⁸ isN(R²). In some versions, R¹ is hydroxyl or optionally substitutedalkyloxy. In some versions:

each optionally substituted alkyl, optionally substituted alkyloxy,optionally substituted alkylthio, optionally substituted alkylsulfinyl,optionally substituted alkylsulfonyl, optionally substitutedalkylsulfonyloxy, and optionally substituted alkyloxycarbonyl, whensubstituted, is independently substituted with one to threesubstituent(s) selected from the group consisting of cycloalkyl,alkylene optionally containing one or two heteroatom(s), hydroxyl, oxo,alkyloxy optionally substituted with a substituent group A at one tothree position(s), thiol, alkylthio, halogen, nitro, cyano, carboxyl,alkyloxycarbonyl, optionally substituted amino, optionally substitutedcarbamoyl, acyl, aryl optionally substituted with a substituent group Bat one to three position(s), heteroaryl optionally substituted with asubstituent group C at one to three position(s), an optionallysubstituted non-aromatic heterocyclic ring group optionally substitutedwith a substituent group C at one to three position(s), aryloxyoptionally substituted with a substituent group B at one to threeposition(s), and alkylsulfonyl;

each optionally substituted alkenyl, optionally substituted alkynyl,optionally substituted alkenyloxy, optionally substituted alkynyloxy,optionally substituted alkenylthio, optionally substituted alkynylthio,optionally substituted alkenyloxycarbonyl, optionally substitutedalkynyloxycarbonyl, optionally substituted cycloalkyl, optionallysubstituted cycloalkenyl, optionally substituted cycloalkyloxy,optionally substituted cycloalkenyloxy, optionally substitutedcycloalkylthio, optionally substituted cycloalkenylthio, optionallysubstituted cycloalkylsulfinyl, optionally substitutedcycloalkenylsulfinyl, optionally substituted cycloalkylsulfonyl,optionally substituted cycloalkenylsulfonyl, optionally substitutedcycloalkylsulfonyloxy, optionally substituted cycloalkenylsulfonyloxy,and optionally substituted alkylene optionally containing one or twoheteroatom(s), when substituted, is independently substituted with oneor more substituent(s) selected from the group consisting of alkyloptionally substituted with a substituent group D at one to threeposition(s), cycloalkyl, hydroxyl, oxo, alkyloxy optionally substitutedwith a substituent group A at one to three position(s), thiol,alkylthio, halogen, nitro, cyano, carboxyl, alkyloxycarbonyl, optionallysubstituted amino, optionally substituted carbamoyl, acyl, acyloxy, aryloptionally substituted with a substituent group B at one to threeposition(s), heteroaryl optionally substituted with a substituent groupC at one to three position(s), non-aromatic heterocyclic groupoptionally substituted with a substituent group C at one to threeposition(s), aryloxy optionally substituted with a substituent group Cat one to three position(s), and alkylsulfonyl;

each optionally substituted aryl, optionally substituted aryloxy,optionally substituted aryloxycarbonyl, optionally substituted arylthio,optionally substituted arylsulfinyl, optionally substitutedarylsulfonyl, optionally substituted arylsulfonyloxy, optionallysubstituted heteroaryl, optionally substituted heteroaryloxy, optionallysubstituted heteroarylthio, optionally substituted heteroarylsulfinyl,optionally substituted heteroarylsulfonyl, optionally substitutedheteroarylsulfonyloxy, and optionally substituted non-aromaticheterocyclic group, when substituted, are each independently substitutedwith one or more substituent(s) selected from the group consisting ofalkyl optionally substituted with a substituent group D at one to threeposition(s), oxo, cycloalkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, hydroxyl, alkyloxyoptionally substituted with a substituent group A at one to threeposition(s), aryloxy optionally substituted with a substituent group Bat one to three position(s), thiol, alkylthio, halogen, nitro, cyano,carboxyl, alkyloxycarbonyl, acyl, alkylsulfonyl, optionally substitutedamino, optionally substituted carbamoyl, aryl optionally substitutedwith a substituent group B at one to three position(s), heteroaryloptionally substituted with a substituent group C at one to threeposition(s), and non-aromatic heterocyclic group optionally substitutedwith a substituent group C at one to three position(s);

each optionally substituted amino, optionally substituted carbamoyl, andoptionally substituted sulfamoyl, when substituted, is independentlysubstituted with one or two substituent(s) selected from the groupconsisting of alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkynyl, aryl,heteroaryl, acyl, alkyloxycarbonyl, alkenyloxycarbonyl,alkynyloxycarbonyl, alkyl sulfonyl, alkenylsulfonyl, alkynylsulfonyl,arylsulfonyl, and heteroarylsulfonyl;

each substituent group A is independently selected from the groupconsisting of halogen and phenyl optionally substituted with one tothree substituent(s) selected from substituent group B;

each substituent group B is independently selected from the groupconsisting of halogen, alkyl, alkyloxy, cyano, and nitro;

each substituent group C is independently selected from the groupconsisting of halogen and alkyl; and each substituent group D isindependently selected from the group consisting of halogen andalkyloxy.

Additional embodiments are described elsewhere herein.

The compounds provided herein are ligands of LANCL3 and LANCL2.

Exemplary compounds include BT-108-1, BT-108-2, BT-108-3, BT-108-4,BT-108-5, BT-108-6, BT-108-7, BT-108-8, BT-108-9, BT-108-10, BT-108-11,BT-108-12, BT-108-13, BT-108-14, BT-108-15, BT-108-16, BT-108-17,BT-108-18, BT-108-19, BT-108-20, BT-108-21, BT-108-22, BT-108-23,BT-108-24, BT-108-25, BT-108-26, BT-108-27, BT-108-28, BT-108-29,BT-108-30, BT-108-31, BT-108-32, BT-108-33, BT-108-34, BT-108-35,BT-108-36, BT-108-37, BT-108-38, BT-108-39, BT-108-40, BT-108-41,BT-108-42, BT-108-43, BT-108-44, BT-108-45, BT-108-46, BT-108-47,BT-108-48, BT-108-49, BT-108-50, BT-108-51, BT-108-52, BT-108-53,BT-108-54, BT-108-55, BT-108-56, BT-108-57, BT-108-58, BT-108-59,BT-108-60, BT-108-61, BT-108-62, BT-108-63, BT-108-64, BT-108-65,BT-108-66, BT-108-67, BT-108-68, BT-108-69, and BT-108-70 as shown inFIGS. 1A-1R and 2A-2F, as well as salts of any of the foregoing.

The invention also provides methods of treating a condition in an animalwith a compound as described herein. The methods comprise administeringan effective amount of the compound to the animal. The condition maycomprise at least one of an inflammatory disease, a metabolic disease,an autoimmune disease, cancer, and an infectious disease. In someversions, the condition comprises inflammatory conditions of the liver,such as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis,and cirrhosis. In some versions, the condition comprises inflammatoryconditions of the bile duct, such as primary biliary cholangitis,primary sclerosing cholangitis. In some versions, the conditioncomprises inflammatory bowel disease, such as Crohn's disease andulcerative colitis. In some versions, the condition comprises lupus,such as systemic lupus erythematosus, lupus nephritis, and cutaneouslupus. In some versions, the condition comprises arthritis, such asrheumatoid arthritis. In some versions, the condition compriseshyperglycemia, such as type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, andprediabetes, and, optionally, resulting complications such asatherosclerosis and diabetic kidney disease. In some versions, thecondition comprises psoriasis. In some versions, the condition comprisesmultiple sclerosis.

The objects and advantages of the invention will appear more fully fromthe following detailed description of the preferred embodiment of theinvention made in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A-1R. Computational prediction of binding of selected compoundsto LANCL2 and LANCL3 in kcal/mol.

FIGS. 2A-2F. Exemplary compounds of the invention: BT-108-1 (FIG. 2A);BT-108-2 (FIG. 2B); BT-108-6 (FIG. 2C); BT-108-8 (FIG. 2D); BT-108-12(FIG. 2E); BT-108-15 (FIG. 2F).

FIGS. 3A and 3B. Immunological evaluation of loss of LANCL3 in CD4+ Tcells. Percentages of IL17+(FIG. 3A) and FOXP3+(FIG. 3B) CD4+ T cellswere measured by flow cytometry after in vitro stimulation of wild-typeand LANCL3−/− cells with PMA/I. Statistical significance (P<0.05) ismarked by asterisks.

FIG. 4 . Immunometabolic evaluation of loss of LANCL3 in bone marrowderived dendritic cells (BMDC). Mitochondrial ATP production rate inwild-type and LANCL3−/− BMDC. Statistical significance (P<0.05) ismarked by asterisks.

FIGS. 5A and 5B. Immunological evaluation of loss of LANCL3 in bonemarrow derived macrophages (DMDM). Percentages of TNF+ and IL10+ cellsby flow cytometry after in vitro stimulation of wild-type and LANCL3−/−cells with LPS. Statistical significance (P<0.05) is marked byasterisks.

FIG. 6 . Evaluation of loss of LANCL3 in a DSS model of colitis. Diseaseseverity index over 7 days of DSS challenge in wild-type and LANCL3−/−mice. Statistical significance (P<0.05) is marked by asterisks.

FIG. 7 . Evaluation of loss of LANCL3 in a diet induced obesity model.Glucose tolerance test of wild-type and LANCL3−/− mice after 12 weeks of60% kcal high-fat diet. Statistical significance (P<0.05) is marked byasterisks.

FIG. 8 . Evaluation of loss of LANCL3 in an experimental autoimmuneencephalomyelitis model. Disease severity index over 20 dayspost-immunization in wild-type and LANCL3−/− mice. Statisticalsignificance (P<0.05) is marked by asterisks.

FIGS. 9A and 9B. Immunological validation of BT-108-1, BT-108-2,BT-108-6, BT-108-8, BT-108-12, and BT-108-15 activity in CD4+ T cells.Percentages of TNFα+(FIG. 9A) and IFNγ+(FIG. 9B) CD4+ T cells weremeasured by flow cytometry after in vitro treatment of cells with BTcompounds at concentrations of 100 nanomolar. Statistical significance(P<0.05) is marked by asterisks.

FIGS. 10A-10C. In vivo validation of BT-108-1 efficacy in a Western dietmodel of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. Liver weight (FIG. 10A), fibrosisscore (FIG. 10B) and liver triglycerides (FIG. 10C) after 12 weeks ofWestern diet with weekly carbon tetrachloride injections in vehicle andBT-108-1 (5 mg/kg) treated mice. Statistical significance (P<0.05) ismarked by asterisks.

FIGS. 11A and 11B. In vivo validation of BT-108-1 efficacy in a NODmodel of type 1 diabetes. Fasting blood glucose (FIG. 11A) and onset ofhyperglycemia (FIG. 11B) in NOD mice treated with vehicle or BT-108-1(10 mg/kg) by oral gavage daily. Statistical significance (P<0.05) ismarked by asterisks.

FIGS. 12A and 12B. In vivo validation of BT-108-1 efficacy in a collageninduced model of arthritis. Percentages of TNF+(FIG. 12A) and IL17+CD4+T cells (FIG. 12B) in the spleens of collagen induced arthritis miceafter 4 weeks of daily oral treatment with vehicle or BT-108-1 (5mg/kg). Statistical significance (P<0.05) is marked by asterisks.

FIGS. 13A and 13B. In vivo validation of BT-108-1 efficacy in animiquimod induced model of psoriasis. Composite scoring of skin (FIG.13A) and percentage of CD4+I117+ cells in the spleen (FIG. 13B) ofimiquimod-induced psoriasis mice after one week of daily oral treatmentwith vehicle or BT-108-1 (10 mg/kg). Statistical significance (P<0.05)is marked by asterisks.

FIGS. 14A-14C. In vivo validation of BT-108-1 efficacy in a DSS model ofcolitis. Histological scores (FIG. 14A), and percentages of neutrophils(FIG. 14B) and CD4+IL17+ T cells (FIG. 14C) in the colonic laminapropria after 7 days of DSS challenge in mice treated with vehicle orBT-108-1 (10 mg/kg) daily by oral gavage. Statistical significance(P<0.05) is marked by asterisks.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Unless otherwise stated, the following definitions are used throughoutthe present application.

Enantiomer: Optical isomer; chemical classification of molecules basedon their ability to rotate the plain of polarization clockwise (+) oranti-clockwise (−).

Substantially pure: Having a purity of at least 90% by weight,preferably at least 95% by weight such as at least 98%, 99% or about100% by weight.

The term “halogen” refers to fluorine, chlorine, bromine, and iodine.Fluorine, chlorine, and bromine are preferred.

The term “hetero atom” refers to an oxygen atom, a sulfur atom, and anitrogen atom.

The term “alkyl” includes a monovalent straight or branched hydrocarbongroup having one to eight carbon atom(s). Examples include methyl,ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, isobutyl, sec-butyl, tert-butyl,n-pentyl, isopentyl, neo-pentyl, n-hexyl, isohexyl, n-heptyl, n-octyl,and the like. C1-C6 alkyl is preferred. C1-C4 alkyl or C1-C3 alkyl isfurther preferred. When a number of carbons is specified, it means“alkyl” having the carbon number within the range.

The term “alkenyl” includes a monovalent straight or branchedhydrocarbon group having two to eight carbon atoms and one or moredouble bond(s). Examples include vinyl, allyl, 1-propenyl, 2-butenyl,2-pentenyl, 2-hexenyl, 2-heptenyl, 2-octenyl, and the like. C2-C6alkenyl is preferred. C2-C4 or C2-C3 alkenyl is further preferred.

The term “alkynyl” includes a monovalent straight or branchedhydrocarbon group having two to eight carbon atoms and one or moretriple bond(s). Examples include ethynyl, 1-propynyl, 2-propynyl,2-butynyl, 2-pentynyl, 2-hexynyl, 2-heptynyl, 2-octynyl, and the like.C2-C6 alkynyl is preferred. C2-C4 or C2-C3 alkynyl is further preferred.

The term “cycloalkyl” includes a cycloalkyl having three to eight carbonatoms. Examples include cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl,cyclohexyl, cycloheptyl, cyclooctyl, and the like. C3-C6 cycloalkyl ispreferred.

The term “cycloalkenyl” includes a cycloalkenyl having three to eightcarbon atoms. Examples include cyclopropenyl, cyclobutenyl,cyclopentenyl, cyclohexenyl, cycloheptenyl, cycloocentyl, and the like.C3-C6 cycloalkenyl is preferred.

The term “alkyloxy” includes a group wherein an oxygen atom issubstituted with one “alkyl” as described herein. Examples includemethyloxy, ethyloxy, n-propyloxy, isopropyloxy, n-butyloxy, isobutyloxy,sec-butyloxy, tert-butyloxy, n-pentyloxy, isopentyloxy, 2-pentyloxy,3-pentyloxy, n-hexyloxy, isohexyloxy, 2-hexyloxy, 3-hexyloxy,n-heptyloxy, n-octyloxy, and the like. C1-C6 alkyloxy is preferred.C1-C4 alkyloxy or C1-C3 alkyloxy is further preferred. When a number ofcarbons is specified, it means “alkyloxy” having the carbon numberwithin the range.

The term “alkenyloxy” includes a group wherein an oxygen atom issubstituted with one “alkenyl” as described herein. Examples includevinyloxy, allyloxy, 1-propenyloxy, 2-butenyloxy, 2-pentenyloxy,2-hexenyloxy, 2-heptenyloxy, 2-octenyloxy, and the like. C2-C6alkenyloxy is preferred. Moreover, C2-C4 or C2-C3 alkenyloxy is furtherpreferred. When a number of carbons is specified, it means “alkenyloxy”having the carbon number within the range.

The term “alkynyloxy” includes a group wherein an oxygen atom issubstituted with one “alkynyl” as described herein. Examples includeethynyloxy, 1-propynyloxy, 2-propynyloxy, 2-butynyloxy, 2-pentynyloxy,2-hexynyloxy, 2-heptynyloxy, 2-octynyloxy, and the like. C2-C6alkynyloxy is preferred. C2-C4 or C2-C3 alkynyloxy is further preferred.When a number of carbons is specified, it means “alkynyloxy” having thecarbon number within the range.

The term “cycloalkyloxy” includes a group wherein an oxygen atom issubstituted with one “cycloalkyl” as described herein. Examples includecyclopropyloxy, cyclobutyloxy, cyclopentyloxy, cyclohexyloxy,cycloheptyloxy, and cyclooctyloxy. C3-C6 cycloalkyloxy is preferred.When a number of carbons is specified, it means “cycloalkyloxy” havingthe carbon number within the range.

The term “cycloalkenyloxy” includes a group wherein an oxygen atom issubstituted with one “cycloalkenyl” as described herein. Examplesinclude cyclopropenyloxy, cyclobutenyloxy, cyclopentenyloxy,cyclohexenyloxy, cycloheptenyloxy, and cyclooctenyloxy. C3-C6cycloalkenyloxy is preferred. When a number of carbons is specified, itmeans “cycloalkenyloxy” having the carbon number within the range.

The term “alkylthio” includes a group wherein a sulfur atom issubstituted with one “alkyl” as described herein. Examples includemethylthio, ethylthio, n-propylthio, isopropylthio, n-butylthio,isobutylthio, sec-butylthio, tert-butylthio, n-pentylthio,isopentylthio, 2-pentylthio, 3-pentylthio, n-hexylthio, isohexylthio,2-hexylthio, 3-hexylthio, n-heptylthio, n-octylthio, and the like. C1-C6Alkylthio is preferred. C1-C4 alkylthio is further preferred. C1-C3,C1-C2, or C1 alkylthio is further preferred. When a number of carbons isspecified, it means “alkylthio” having the carbon number within therange.

The term “alkenylthio” includes a group wherein a sulfur atom issubstituted with one “alkenyl” as described herein. Examples includevinylthio, allylthio, 1-propenylthio, 2-butenylthio, 2-pentenylthio,2-hexenylthio, 2-heptenylthio, 2-octenylthio, and the like. C2-C6Alkenylthio is preferred. C2-C4 or C2-C3 alkylthio is further preferred.When a number of carbons is specified, it means “alkenylthio” having thecarbon number within the range.

The term “alkynylthio” includes a group wherein a sulfur atom issubstituted with one “alkynyl” as described herein. Examples includeethynylthio, 1-propynylthio, 2-propynylthio, 2-butynylthio,2-pentynylthio, 2-hexynylthio, 2-heptynylthio, 2-octynylthio, and thelike. C2-C6 alkynylthio is preferred. C2-C4 or C2-C3 alkynylthio isfurther preferred. When a number of carbons is specified, it means“alkynylthio” having the carbon number within the range.

The term “alkylsulfinyl” includes a group wherein sulfinyl issubstituted with one “alkyl” as described herein. Examples includemethylsulfinyl, ethylsulfinyl, n-propylsulfinyl, isopropylsulfinyl,n-butylsulfinyl, isobutylsulfinyl, sec-butylsulfinyl,tert-butylsulfinyl, n-pentylsulfinyl, isopentylsulfinyl,2-pentylsulfinyl, 3-pentylsulfinyl, n-hexylsulfinyl, isohexylsulfinyl,2-hexylsulfinyl, 3-hexylsulfinyl, n-heptylsulfinyl, n-octylsulfinyl, andthe like. C1-C6 alkylsulfinyl is preferred. C1-C4 or C1-C3 alkylsulfinylis further preferred.

The term “alkylsulfonyl” includes a group wherein sulfonyl issubstituted with one “alkyl” as described herein. Examples includemethylsulfonyl, ethylsulfonyl, n-propylsulfonyl, isopropylsulfonyl,n-butylsulfonyl, isobutylsulfonyl, sec-butylsulfonyl,tert-butylsulfonyl, n-pentylsulfonyl, isopentylsulfonyl,2-pentylsulfonyl, 3-pentylsulfonyl, n-hexylsulfonyl, isohexylsulfonyl,2-hexylsulfonyl, 3-hexylsulfonyl, n-heptylsulfonyl, n-octylsulfonyl, andthe like. C1-C6 alkylsulfonyl is preferred. C1-C4 or C1-C3 alkylsulfonylis further preferred.

The term “alkylsulfonyloxy” includes a group wherein an oxygen atom issubstituted with one “alkylsulfonyl” as described herein. Examplesinclude methylsulfonyloxy, ethylsulfonyloxy, n-propylsulfonyloxy,isopropylsulfonyloxy, n-butylsulfonyloxy, isobutylsulfonyloxy,sec-butylsulfonyloxy, tert-butylsulfonyloxy, n-pentylsulfonyloxy,isopentylsulfonyloxy, 2-pentylsulfonyloxy, 3-pentylsulfonyloxy,n-hexylsulfonyloxy, isohexylsulfonyloxy, 2-hexylsulfonyloxy,3-hexylsulfonyloxy, n-heptylsulfonyloxy, n-octylsulfonyloxy, and thelike. C1-C6 alkylsulfonyl is preferred. C1-C4 or C1-C3 alkylsulfonyl isfurther preferred.

The term “cycloalkylthio” includes a group wherein a sulfur atom issubstituted with one “cycloalkyl” as described herein. Examples includecyclopropylthio, cyclobutylthio, cyclopentylthio, cyclohexylthio,cycloheptylthio, cyclooctylthio, and the like. C3-C6 cycloalkylthio ispreferred. When a number of carbons is specified, it means“cycloalkylthio” having the carbon number within the range.

The term “cycloalkylsulfinyl” includes a group in which sulfinyl issubstituted with one “cycloalkyl” as described herein. Examples includecyclopropylsulfinyl, cyclobutylsulfinyl, cyclopentylsulfinyl,cyclohexylsulfinyl, cycloheptylsulfinyl, and cyclooctylsulfinyl. C3-C6cycloalkylsulfinyl is preferred.

The term “cycloalkylsulfonyl” includes a group in which sulfonyl issubstituted with one “cycloalkyl” as described herein. Examples includecyclopropylsulfonyl, cyclobutylsulfonyl, cyclopentylsulfonyl,cyclohexylsulfonyl, cycloheptylsulfonyl, and cyclooctylsulfonyl. C3-C6cycloalkylsulfonyl is preferred.

The term “cycloalkylsulfonyloxy” includes a group in which an oxygenatom is substituted with one “cycloalkylsulfonyl” as described herein.Examples include cyclopropylsulfonyloxy, cyclobutylsulfonyloxy,cyclopentyl sulfonyloxy, cyclohexyl sulfonyloxy, cycloheptylsulfonyloxy,and cyclooctylsulfonyloxy. C6-C3 cycloalkylsulfonyloxy is preferred.

The term “cycloalkenylthio” includes a group in which a sulfur atom issubstituted with one “cycloalkenyl” as described herein. Examplesinclude cyclopropenylthio, cyclobutenylthio, cyclopentenylthio,cyclohexenylthio, cycloheptenylthio, and cyclooctenylthio. C3-C6cycloalkenylthio is preferred. When a number of carbons is specified, itmeans “cycloalkenylthio” having the carbon number within the range.

The term “cycloalkenylsulfinyl” includes a group in which sulfinyl issubstituted with one “cycloalkenyl” as described herein. Examplesinclude cyclopropenylsulfinyl, cyclobutenylsulfinyl,cyclopentenylsulfinyl, cyclohexenylsulfinyl, cycloheptenylsulfinyl, andcyclooctenylsulfinyl. C3-C6 cycloalkenylsulfinyl is preferred.

The term “cycloalkenylsulfonyl” includes a group in which sulfonyl issubstituted with one “cycloalkenyl” as described herein. Examplesinclude cyclopropenylsulfonyl, cyclobutenylsulfonyl,cyclopentenylsulfonyl, cyclohexenylsulfonyl, cycloheptenylsulfonyl, andcyclooctenylsulfonyl. C3-C6 cycloalkenylsulfonyl is preferred.

The term “cycloalkenylsulfonyloxy” includes a group in which an oxygenatom is substituted with one “cycloalkenylsulfonyl” described asdescribed herein. Examples include cyclopropenylsulfonyloxy,cyclobutenylsulfonyloxy, cyclopentenylsulfonyloxy,cyclohexenylsulfonyloxy, cycloheptenylsulfonyloxy, andcyclooctenylsulfonyloxy. C3-C6 cycloalkenylsulfonyloxy is preferred.

The term “alkyloxycarbonyl” includes a group in which carbonyl issubstituted with one “alkyloxy” as described herein. Examples includemethyloxycarbonyl, ethyloxycarbonyl, n-propyloxycarbonyl,isopropyloxycarbonyl, n-butyloxycarbonyl, tert-butyloxycarbonyl, andn-pentyloxycarbonyl. C1-C6, C1-C4, or C1-C3 alkyloxycarbonyl ispreferred. C1-C2 alkyloxycarbonyl is further preferred.

The term “alkenyloxycarbonyl” includes a group in which carbonyl issubstituted with one “alkenyloxy” as described herein. Examples includevinyloxycarbonyl, allyloxycarbonyl, 1-propenyloxycarbonyl,2-butenyloxycarbonyl, and 2-pentenyloxyarbonyl. C2-C6, C2-C4, or C2-C3alkyloxycarbonyl is preferred.

The term “alkynyloxycarbonyl” includes a group in which carbonyl issubstituted with one “alkynyloxy” as described herein. Examples includeethynyloxycarbonyl, 1-propynyloxycarbonyl, 2-propynyloxycarbonyl,2-butynyloxyarbonyl, and 2-pentynyloxycarbonyl. C2-C6, C2-C4, or C2-C3alkynyloxycarbonyl is preferred.

The term “acyl” includes alkylcarbonyl wherein the part of alkyl is“alkyl” as described herein, alkenylcarbonyl wherein the part of alkenylis “alkenyl” as described herein, alkynylcarbonyl wherein the part ofalkynyl is “alkynyl” as described herein, cycloalkylcarbonyl wherein thepart of cycloalkyl is “cycloalkyl” as described herein, arylcarbonylwherein the part of aryl is “aryl” as described herein,heteroarylcarbonyl wherein the part of heteroaryl is “heteroaryl” asdescribed herein, and non-aromatic heterocycliccarbonyl wherein the partof non-aromatic heterocyclic group is “non-aromatic heterocyclic group”as described herein. “Alkyl,” “alkenyl,” “alkynyl,” “cycloalkyl,”“aryl,” “heteroaryl,” and “non-aromatic heterocyclic group” may besubstituted respectively with substituent groups exemplified in“optionally substituted alkyl,” “optionally substituted alkenyl,”“optionally substituted alkynyl,” “optionally substituted cycloalkyl,”“optionally substituted aryl,” “optionally substituted heteroaryl,” and“optionally substituted non-aromatic heterocyclic group” as describedherein. Examples of the acyl group include acetyl, propionyl, butyroyl,cyclohexylcarbonyl, benzoyl, pyridinecarbonyl, and the like.

The term “optionally substituted amino” includes an amino group whichmay be substituted with one or two group(s) of “alkyl” as describedherein, “alkenyl” as described herein, “alkynyl” as described herein,“cycloalkyl” as described herein, “cycloalkynyl” as described herein,“aryl” as described herein, “heteroaryl” as described herein, “acyl” asdescribed herein, “alkyloxycarbonyl” as described herein,“alkenyloxycarbonyl” as described herein, “alkynyloxycarbonyl” asdescribed herein, “alkyl sulfonyl,” “alkenylsulfonyl,”“alkynylsulfonyl,” “arylsulfonyl,” and/or “heteroarylsulfonyl” asdescribed herein. Examples of the optionally substituted amino groupinclude amino, methylamino, dimethylamino, ethylamino, diethylamino,ethylmethylamino, benzylamino, acetylamino, benzoylamino,methyloxycarbonylamino, and methanesulfonylamino. Amino, methylamino,dimethylamino, ethylmethylamino, diethylamino, acetylamino, andmethanesulfonylamino are preferred.

The term “optionally substituted carbamoyl” includes an aminocarbonylgroup wherein the part of optionally substituted amino is “optionallysubstituted amino” as described herein. Examples of the optionallysubstituted carbamoyl group includes carbamoyl, N-methylcarbamoyl,N,N-dimethylcarbamoyl, N-ethyl-N-methylcarbamoyl, N,N-diethylcarbamoyl,N-phenylcarbamoyl, N-benzylcarbamoyl, N-acetylcarbamoyl, andN-methylsulfonylcarbamoyl etc. Carbamoyl, N-methylcarbamoyl,N,N-dimethylcarbamoyl, and N-methylsulfonylcarbamoyl etc. are preferred.

The term “optionally substituted sulfamoyl” includes an aminosulfonylgroup wherein the part of optionally substituted amino is “optionallysubstituted amino” as described herein. Examples of the optionallysubstituted sulfamoyl group include sulfamoyl, N-methylsulfamoyl,N,N-dimethylsulfamoyl, N-ethyl-N-methyl sulfamoyl, N,N-diethylsulfamoyl,N-phenylsulfamoyl, N-benzylsulfamoyl, N-acetylsulfamoyl, andN-methylsulfonylsulfamoyl etc. Sulfamoyl, N-methylsulfamoyl,N,N-dimethylsulfamoyl, and N-methylsulfonylsulfamoyl etc. are preferred.

The term “alkylene” means a straight or branched alkylene group havingone to eight carbon atom(s). Examples include methylene, ethylene,1-methylethylene, trimethylene, 1-methyltrimethylene, pentamethylene,hexamethylene, and the like. C1-C4 or C1-3 alkylenes are preferred.C1-C2 or C1 alkylene is further preferred.

The term “aryl” includes an aromatic monocyclic or aromatic fused cyclichydrocarbons. It may be fused with “cycloalkyl” as described herein,“cycloalkenyl” as described herein or “non-aromatic heterocyclic group”as described herein at any possible position. Both of monocyclic ringand fused ring may be substituted at any position. Examples includephenyl, 1-naphthyl, 2-naphthyl, anthryl, tetrahydronaphthyl,1,3-benzodioxolyl, 1,4-benzodioxanyl etc. Phenyl, 1-naphthyl, and2-naphthyl are preferred. Phenyl is further preferred.

The term “non-aromatic heterocyclic group” includes a 5- to 7-memberednon-aromatic heterocyclic ring containing one or more of heteroatom(s)selected independently from oxygen, sulfur, and nitrogen atoms or amulticyclic ring formed by fusing the two or more rings thereof.Examples include pyrrolidinyl (e.g., 1-pyrrolidinyl, 2-pyrrolidinyl),pyrrolinyl (e.g., 3-pyrrolinyl), imidazolidinyl (e.g.,2-imidazolidinyl), imidazolinyl (e.g., 2-imidazolinyl), pyrazolidinyl(e.g., 1-pyrazolidinyl, 2-pyrazolidinyl), pyrazolinyl (e.g.,1-pyrazolinyl, 2-pyrazolinyl, 3-pyrazolinyl), piperidyl (e.g.,piperidino, 2-piperidyl), piperazinyl (e.g., 1-piperazinyl), indolinyl(e.g., 1-indolinyl), isoindolinyl, morpholinyl (e.g., morpholino,3-morpholinyl) etc.

The term “heteroaryl” includes a 5- to 6-membered aromatic ringcontaining one or more of heteroatom(s) selected independently fromoxygen, sulfur, and nitrogen atoms. It may be fused with “cycloalkyl” asdescribed herein, “aryl” as described herein, “non-aromatic heterocyclicgroup” as described herein, or other heteroaryl at any possibleposition. The heteroaryl group may be substituted at any positionwhenever it is a monocyclic ring or a fused ring. Examples includepyrrolyl (e.g., 1-pyrrolyl, 2-pyrrolyl, 3-pyrrolyl), furyl (e.g.,2-furyl, 3-furyl), thienyl (e.g., 2-thienyl, 3-thienyl), imidazolyl(e.g., 2-imidazolyl, 4-imidazolyl), pyrazolyl (e.g., 1-pyrazolyl,3-pyrazolyl), isothiazolyl (e.g., 3-isothiazolyl), isoxazolyl (e.g.,3-isoxazolyl), oxazolyl (e.g., 2-oxazolyl), thiazolyl (e.g.,2-thiazolyl), pyridyl (e.g., 2-pyridyl, 3-pyridyl, 4-pyridyl), pyrazinyl(e.g., 2-pyrazinyl), pyrimidinyl (e.g., 2-pyrimidinyl, 4-pyrimidinyl),pyridazinyl (e.g., 3-pyridazinyl), tetrazolyl (e.g., 1H-tetrazolyl),oxadiazolyl (e.g., 1,3,4-oxadiazolyl), thiadiazolyl (e.g.,1,3,4-thiadiazolyl), indolizinyl (e.g., 2-indolizinyl, 6-indolizinyl),isoindolinyl (e.g., 2-isoindolinyl), indolyl (e.g., 1-indolyl,2-indolyl, 3-indolyl), indazolyl (e.g., 3-indazolyl), purinyl (e.g.,8-purinyl), quinolizinyl (e.g., 2-quinolizinyl), isoquinolyl (e.g.,3-isoquinolyl), quinolyl (e.g., 2-quinolyl, 5-quinolyl), phthalazinyl(e.g., 1-phthalazinyl), naphthyridinyl (e.g., 2-naphthyridinyl),quinolinyl (e.g., 2-quinolinyl), quinazolinyl (e.g., 2-quinazolinyl),cinnolinyl (e.g., 3-cinnolinyl), pteridinyl (e.g., 2-pteridinyl),carbazolyl (e.g., 2-carbazolyl, 4-carbazolyl), phenanthridinyl (e.g.,2-phenanthridinyl, 3-phenanthridinyl), acridinyl (e.g., 1-acridinyl,2-acridinyl), dibenzofuranyl (e.g., 1-dibenzofuranyl, 2-dibenzofuranyl),benzoimidazolyl (e.g., 2-benzoimidazolyl), benzoisoxazolyl (e.g.,3-benzoisoxazolyl), benzooxazolyl (e.g., 2-benzooxazolyl),benzooxadiazolyl (e.g., 4-benzooxadiazolyl), benzoisothiazolyl (e.g.,3-benzoisothiazolyl), benzothiazolyl (e.g., 2-benzothiazolyl),benzofuryl (e.g., 3-benzofuryl), benzothienyl (e.g., 2-benzothienyl),dibenzothienyl (e.g., 2-dibenzothienyl), and benzodioxolyl (e.g.,1,3-benzodioxolyl), etc.

The term “aryloxy” includes a group in which an oxygen atom issubstituted with one “aryl” as described herein. Examples includephenyloxy and naphthyloxy, etc.

The term “arylthio” includes a group in which a sulfur atom issubstituted with one “aryl” as described herein. Examples includephenylthio and naphthylthio, etc.

The term “arylsulfinyl” includes a group in which sulfinyl issubstituted with one “aryl” as described herein. Examples includephenylsulfinyl and naphthylsulfinyl, etc.

The term “arylsulfonyl” includes a group in which sulfonyl issubstituted with one “aryl” as described herein. Examples includephenylsulfonyl and naphthylsulfoinyl, etc.

Examples of “arylsulfonyloxy” include phenylsulfonyloxy andnaphthylsulfonyloxy, etc.

The term “aryloxycarbonyl” includes a group in which carbonyl issubstituted with one “aryloxy” as described herein. Examples includephenyloxycarbonyl, 1-naphthyloxycarbonyl and 2-naphthyloxycarbonyl, etc.

The term “heteroaryloxy” includes a group in which an oxygen atom issubstituted with one “heteroaryl” as described herein. Examples includepyrrolyloxy, furyloxy, thienyloxy, imidazolyloxy, pyrazolyloxy,isothiazolyloxy, isoxazolyloxy, oxazolyloxy, thiazolyloxy, pyridyloxy,pyrazinyloxy, pyrimidinyloxy, pyridazinyloxy, tetrazolyloxy,oxadiazolyloxy, thiadiazolyloxy, indolizinyloxy, isoindolinyloxy,indolyloxy, indazolyloxy, purinyloxy, quinolizinyloxy, isoquinolyloxy,quinolyloxy, phthalazinyloxy, naphthyridinyloxy, quinolinyloxy,quinazolinyloxy, cinnolinyloxy, pteridinyloxy, carbazolyloxy,phenanthridinyloxy, acridinyloxy, dibenzofuranyloxy, benzoimidazolyloxy,benzoisoxazolyloxy, benzooxazolyloxy, benzooxadiazolyloxy,benzoisothiazolyloxy, benzothiazolyloxy, benzofuryloxy, benzothienyloxy,dibenzothienyloxy, and benzodioxolyloxy. Preferred are furyloxy,thienyloxy, imidazolyloxy, pyrazolyloxy, isothiazolyloxy, isoxazolyloxy,oxazolyloxy, thiazolyloxy, pyridyloxy, pyrazinyloxy, pyrimidinyloxy, andpyridazinyloxy.

The term “heteroarylthio” includes a group in which a sulfur atom issubstituted with one “heteroaryl” as described herein. Examples includepyrrolylthio, furylthio, thienylthio, imidazolylthio, pyrazolylthio,isothiazolylthio, isoxazolylthio, oxazolylthio, thiazolylthio,pyridylthio, pyrazinylthio, pyrimidinylthio, pyridazinylthio,tetrazolylthio, oxadiazolylthio, thiadiazolylthio, indolizinylthio,isoindolinylthio, indolylthio, indazolylthio, purinylthio,quinolizinylthio, isoquinolylthio, quinolylthio, phthalazinylthio,naphthyridinylthio, quinolinylthio, quinazolinylthio, cinnolinylthio,pteridinylthio, carbazolylthio, phenanthridinylthio, acridinylthio,dibenzofuranylthio, benzoimidazolylthio, benzoisoxazolylthio,benzooxazolylthio, benzooxadiazolylthio, benzoisothiazolylthio,benzothiazolylthio, benzofurylthio, benzothienylthio,dibenzothienylthio, and benzodioxolylthio, etc. Preferred are furylthio,thienylthio, imidazolylthio, pyrazolylthio, isothiazolylthio,isoxazolylthio, oxazolylthio, thiazolylthio, pyridylthio, pyrazinylthio,pyrimidinylthio, and pyridazinylthio.

The term “heteroarylsulfinyl” includes a group in which sulfinyl issubstituted with one “heteroaryl” as described herein. Examples includepyrrolylsulfinyl, furylsulfinyl, thienylsulfinyl, imidazolylsulfinyl,pyrazolylsulfinyl, isothiazolylsulfinyl, isoxazolylsulfinyl,oxazolylsulfinyl, thiazolylsulfinyl, pyridylsulfinyl, pyrazinylsulfinyl,pyrimidinylsulfinyl, pyridazinylsulfinyl, tetrazolylsulfinyl,oxadiazolylsulfinyl, thiadiazolylsulfinyl, indolizinylsulfinyl,isoindolylsulfinyl, indolylsulfinyl, indazolylsulfinyl, purinylsulfinyl,quinolizinylsulfinyl, isoquinolylsulfinyl, quinolylsulfinyl,phthalazinylsulfinyl, naphthyridinylsulfinyl, quinolinylsulfinyl,quinazolinylsulfinyl, cinnolinylsulfinyl, pteridinylsulfinyl,carbazolylsulfinyl, phenanthridinylsulfinyl, acridinylsulfinyl,dibenzofuranylsulfinyl, benzoimidazolylsulfinyl,benzoisoxazolylsulfinyl, benzooxazolylsulfinyl,benzooxadiazolylsulfinyl, benzoisothiazolylsulfinyl,benzothiazolylsulfinyl, benzofurylsulfinyl, benzothienylsulfinyl,dibenzothienylsulfinyl, and benzodioxolylsulfinyl. Furylsulfinyl,thienylsulfinyl, imidazolylsulfinyl, pyrazolylsulfinyl,isothiazolylsulfinyl, isoxazolylsulfinyl, oxazolylsulfinyl,thiazolylsulfinyl, pyridylsulfinyl, pyrazinylsulfinyl,pyrimidinylsulfinyl, and pyridazinylsulfinyl are preferred.

The term “heteroarylsulfonyl” includes a group in which sulfonyl issubstituted with one “heteroaryl” as described herein. Examples includepyrrolylsulfonyl, furylsulfonyl, thienylsulfonyl, imidazolylsulfonyl,pyrazolylsulfonyl, isothiazolylsulfonyl, isoxazolylsulfonyl,oxazolylsulfonyl, thiazolylsulfonyl, pyridylsulfonyl, pyrazinylsulfonyl,pyrimidinylsulfonyl, pyridazinylsulfonyl, tetrazolylsulfonyl,oxadiazolylsulfonyl, thiadiazolylsulfonyl, indolizinylsulfonyl,isoindolylsulfonyl, indolylsulfonyl, indazolylsulfonyl, purinylsulfonyl,quinolizinylsulfonyl, isoquinolylsulfonyl, quinolylsulfonyl,phthalazinylsulfonyl, naphthilidinylsulfonyl, quinolinylsulfonyl,quinazolinylsulfonyl, cinnolinyl sulfonyl, pteridinyl sulfonyl,carbazolylsulfonyl, phenanthridinylsulfonyl, acridinylsulfonyl,dibenzofuranylsulfonyl, benzoimidazolylsulfonyl,benzoisoxazolylsulfonyl, benzooxazolylsulfonyl,benzooxadiazolylsulfonyl, benzoisothiazolylsulfonyl,benzothiazolylsulfonyl, benzofurylsulfonyl, benzothienylsulfonyl,dibenzothienylsulfonyl, and benzodioxolylsulfonyl, etc. Furylsulfonyl,thienylsulfonyl, imidazolylsulfonyl, pyrazolylsulfonyl,isothiazolylsulfonyl, isoxazolylsulfonyl, oxazolylsulfonyl,thiazolylsulfonyl, pyridylsulfonyl, pyrazinylsulfonyl,pyrimidinylsulfonyl, and pyridazinylsulfonyl are preferred.

The term “heteroarylsulfonyloxy” includes a group in which an oxygenatom is substituted with one “heteroarylsulfonyl” as described herein.Examples include pyrrolylsulfonyloxy, furylsulfonyloxy,thienylsulfonyloxy, imidazolylsulfonyloxy, pyrazolylsulfonyloxy,isothiazolylsulfonyloxy, isoxazolylsulfonyloxy, oxazolylsulfonyloxy,thiazolylsulfonyloxy, pyridylsulfonyloxy, pyrazinylsulfonyloxy,pyrimidinylsulfonyloxy, pyridazinylsulfonyloxy, tetrazolylsulfonyloxy,oxadiazolylsulfonyloxy, thiadiazolylsulfonyloxy, indolizinylsulfonyloxy,isoindolylsulfonyloxy, indolylsulfonyloxy, indazolylsulfonyloxy,purinylsulfonyloxy, quinolizinylsulfonyloxy, isoquinolylsulfonyloxy,quinolylsulfonyloxy, phthalazinylsulfonyloxy, naphthilidinylsulfonyloxy,quinolinyl sulfonyloxy, quinazolinylsulfonyloxy, cinnolinylsulfonyloxy,pteridinylsulfonyloxy, carbazolylsulfonyloxy,phenanthridinylsulfonyloxy, acridinylsulfonyloxy,dibenzofuranylsulfonyloxy, benzoimidazolylsulfonyloxy,benzoisoxazolylsulfonyloxy, benzooxazolylsulfonyloxy,benzooxadiazolylsulfonyloxy, benzoisothiazolylsulfonyloxy,benzothiazolylsulfonyloxy, benzofuryl sulfonyloxy,benzothienylsulfonyloxy, dibenzothienylsulfonyloxy, andbenzodioxolylsulfonyloxy, etc. Furylsulfonyloxy, thienylsulfonyloxy,imidazolylsulfonyloxy, pyrazolylsulfonyloxy, isothiazolylsulfonyloxy,isoxazolylsulfonyloxy, oxazolylsulfonyloxy, thiazolylsulfonyloxy,pyridylsulfonyloxy, pyrazinylsulfonyloxy, pyrimidinylsulfonyloxy, andpyridazinylsulfonyloxy are preferred.

The term “aromatic carbocyclic ring” includes an aromatic monocyclic oraromatic fused carbocyclic ring. Examples include a benzene ring, anaphthalene ring, and an anthracene ring. A benzene ring is preferred.

The term “aromatic heterocyclic ring” includes an aromatic monocyclic oraromatic fused heterocyclic ring. Examples include a pyrrole ring, afuran ring, a thiophen ring, a pyrazole ring, an imidazole ring, anisothiazole ring, an isoxazole ring, an oxazole ring, a thiazole ring, apyrazine ring, a pyrimidine ring, a pyridazine ring, a tetrazole ring,an oxadiazole ring, a thiadiazole ring, an indolizine ring, an isoindolering, an indole ring, an indazole ring, a purine ring, a quinolizinering, an isoquinoline ring, a quinoline ring, a phthalazine ring, anaphthyridine ring, a quinazoline ring, a cinnoline ring, a pteridinering, a carbazole ring, a phenanthridine ring, an acridine ring, adibenzofuran ring, a benzimidazole ring, a benzisoxazole ring, abenzoxazole ring, a benzoxadiazole ring, a benzisothiazole ring, abenzothiazole ring, a benzofuran ring, a benzothiophene ring, adibenzothiophene ring, and a benzodixolane ring. Preferred are apyridine ring, a furan ring, and a thiophen ring.

The term “C1-C6 alkylene” includes a straight or branched alkylene grouphaving one to six carbon atom(s). Examples include —CH₂—, —CH(CH₃)—,—C(CH₃)₂—, —CH₂CH₂—, —CH(CH₃)CH₂—, —C(CH₃)₂CH₂—, —CH₂CH₂CH₂—,—CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂—, —CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂—, and —CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂—. Preferredare —CH₂—, —CH₂CH₂—, —CH₂CH₂CH₂—, and —CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂—. The term “alkyleneoptionally containing one or two heteroatom(s)” of “optionallysubstituted alkylene optionally containing one or two heteroatom(s)”includes a straight or branched alkylene group having one to six carbonatoms, optionally containing one or two heteroatom(s) which may besubstituted with “alkyl” as described herein. Examples include —CH₂—,—CH(CH₃)—, —C(CH₃)₂—, —CH₂CH₂—, —CH₂CH₂CH₂—, —CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂—,—CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂—, —CHCH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂—, —CH₂O—, —OCH₂—, —CH₂CH₂O—,—OCH₂CH₂—, —CH₂S—, —SCH₂—, —CH₂CH₂S—, —SCH₂CH₂—, —CH₂CH₂OCH₂CH₂—,—OCH₂CH₂O—, —OCH₂O—, —NHCH₂—, —N(CH₃)CH₂—, —N⁺(CH₃)₂CH₂—, —NHCH₂CH₂CH₂—,and —N(CH₃)CH₂CH₂CH₂—, etc. Preferred are —CH₂—, —CH₂CH₂—, —CH₂CH₂CH₂—,—CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂—, —OCH₂CH₂O—, —OCH₂O—, and —N(CH₃)CH₂CH₂CH₂—.

The term “alkenylene optionally containing one or two heteroatom(s)” of“optionally substituted alkenylene optionally containing one or twoheteroatom(s)” includes a straight or branched alkenylene group havingtwo to six carbon atoms, optionally containing one or two heteroatom(s)which may be substituted with “alkyl” as described herein. Examplesinclude —CH═CHCH═CH—, —CH═CHO—, —OCH═CH—, —CH═CHS—, —SCH═CH—, —CH═CHNH—,—NHCH═CH—, —CH═CH—CH═N—, and —N═CH—CH═CH—. Preferred are, —CH═CHCH═CH—,—CH═CHCH═N—, and —N═CHCH═CH—.

The term “alkynylene optionally containing one or two heteroatom(s)”includes a straight or branched alkynylene group having two to sixcarbon atoms, optionally containing one or two heteroatom(s) which maybe substituted with “alkyl” as described herein. Examples include—C═CCH₂—, —CH₂C═CCH₂—, —CH₂C═CCH₂O—, —OCH₂C═CH—, —CH₂C═CCH₂S—,—SCH₂C═CH—, —CH₂C═CCH₂NH—, —NHCH₂C≡CH—, —CH₂C═CCH₂N(CH₃)—, and—N(CH₃)CH₂C═CH—. Especially, —CH₂C═CCH₂—, and —OCH₂C═CH— are preferred.

The term “3- to 8-membered nitrogen-containing non-aromatic heterocyclicring” includes a ring of any of the formulas described as such in U.S.Pat. No. 8,143,285, which is incorporated herein by reference in itsentirety.

The term “3- to 8-membered nitrogen-containing aromatic heterocyclicring” includes a 3- to 8-membered aromatic heterocyclic ring containingone or more of nitrogen atom(s), and further optionally an oxygen atomand/or sulfur atom in the ring. Examples include pyrrolyl (e.g.,1-pyrrolyl, 2-pyrrolyl, 3-pyrrolyl), imidazolyl (e.g., 2-imidazolyl,4-imidazolyl), pyrazolyl (e.g., 1-pyrazolyl, 3-pyrazolyl), isothiazolyl(e.g., 3-isothiazolyl), isoxazolyl (e.g., 3-isoxazolyl), oxazolyl (e.g.,2-oxazolyl), thiazolyl (e.g., 2-thiazolyl), pyridyl (e.g., 2-pyridyl,3-pyridyl, 4-pyridyl), pyrazinyl (e.g., 2-pyrazinyl), pyrimidinyl (e.g.,2-pyrimidinyl, 4-pyrimidinyl), pyridazinyl (e.g., 3-pyridazinyl),tetrazolyl (e.g., 1H-tetrazolyl), oxadiazolyl (e.g., 1,3,4-oxadiazolyl),and thiadiazolyl (e.g., 1,3,4-thiadiazolyl).

The term “4- to 8-membered nitrogen-containing heterocyclic ringcontaining one or two nitrogen atom(s)” means a ring of any of theformulas described as such in U.S. Pat. No. 8,143,285, which isincorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

The term “oxo” refers to an ═O group.

“Optionally substituted” is used interchangeably herein with“substituted or unsubstituted.”

In the present specification, examples of substituents in “optionallysubstituted alkyl,” “optionally substituted alkyloxy,” “optionallysubstituted alkylthio,” “optionally substituted alkylsulfinyl,”“optionally substituted alkylsulfonyl,” “optionally substitutedalkylsulfonyloxy,” and “the optionally substituted alkyloxycarbonyl”include cycloalkyl, alkylene optionally containing one or twoheteroatom(s), hydroxyl, oxo, alkyloxy optionally substituted with asubstituent group A at one to three position(s), thiol, alkylthio,halogen, nitro, cyano, carboxyl, sulfino (—SO₂H), alkyloxycarbonyl,optionally substituted amino, optionally substituted carbamoyl, acyl,aryl (e.g., phenyl) optionally substituted with a substituent group B atone to three position(s), heteroaryl (e.g., pyridyl, furyl, thienyl,imidazolyl, oxazolyl, thiazolyl, pyrazolyl) optionally substituted witha substituent group C at one to three position(s), an optionallysubstituted non-aromatic heterocyclic ring group (e.g., morpholinyl,pyrrolidinyl, piperazinyl) which may be substituted with a substituentgroup C at one to three position(s), aryloxy (e.g., phenyloxy)optionally substituted with a substituent group B at one to threeposition(s), alkylsulfonyl, and the like. The above-referenced“optionally substituted” moieties can be substituted with one to threeof the above-referenced substituent(s) at any possible position.

In the present specification, examples of substituents in “optionallysubstituted alkenyl,” “optionally substituted alkynyl,” “optionallysubstituted alkenyloxy,” “optionally substituted alkynyloxy,”“optionally substituted alkenylthio,” “optionally substitutedalkynylthio,” “optionally substituted alkenyloxycarbonyl,” “optionallysubstituted alkynyloxycarbonyl,” “optionally substituted cycloalkyl,”“optionally substituted cycloalkenyl,” “optionally substitutedcycloalkyloxy, “optionally substituted cycloalkenyloxy,” “optionallysubstituted cycloalkylthio,” “optionally substituted cycloalkenylthio,”“optionally substituted cycloalkylsulfinyl,” “optionally substitutedcycloalkenylsulfinyl,” “optionally substituted cycloalkylsulfonyl,”“optionally substituted cycloalkenylsulfonyl,” “optionally substitutedcycloalkylsulfonyloxy,” “optionally substitutedcycloalkenylsulfonyloxy,” “optionally substituted alkenyloxycarbonyl,”“optionally substituted alkylene,” “optionally substituted C1-C6alkylene,” “optionally substituted alkylene optionally containing one ortwo heteroatom(s),” “optionally substituted alkenylene,” “optionallysubstituted alkenylene optionally containing one or two heteroatom(s),”“optionally substituted alkynylene,” and “optionally substitutedalkynylene optionally containing one or two heteroatom(s)” include alkyl(such as dialkyl) optionally substituted with a substituent group D atone to three position(s), cycloalkyl, hydroxyl, oxo, alkyloxy optionallysubstituted with a substituent group A at one to three position(s),thiol, alkylthio, halogen, nitro, cyano, carboxyl, sulfino,alkyloxycarbonyl, optionally substituted amino, optionally substitutedcarbamoyl, acyl acyloxy, aryl (e.g., phenyl) optionally substituted witha substituent group B at one to three position(s), heteroaryl (e.g.,pyridyl, furyl, thienyl, imidazolyl, oxazolyl, thiazolyl, pyrazolyl)optionally substituted with a substituent group C at one to threeposition(s), non-aromatic heterocyclic group (e.g., morpholinyl,pyrrolidinyl, piperazinyl) optionally substituted with a substituentgroup C at one to three position(s), aryloxy (e.g., phenyloxy)optionally substituted with a substituent group C at one to threeposition(s), alkylsulfonyl, and the like. The above-referenced“optionally substituted” moieties can be substituted with one or more ofthe above-referenced substituent(s) at any possible position.

In the present specification, examples of substituents in “optionallysubstituted aryl,” “optionally substituted phenoxy,” “optionallysubstituted aryloxy,” “optionally substituted phenylthio,” “optionallysubstituted arylthio,” “optionally substituted arylsulfinyl,”“optionally substituted arylsulfonyl,” “optionally substitutedarylsulfonyloxy,” “optionally substituted heteroaryl,” “optionallysubstituted heteroaryloxy,” “optionally substituted heteroarylthio,”“optionally substituted heteroarylsulfinyl,” “optionally substitutedheteroarylsulfonyl,” “optionally substituted heteroarylsulfonyloxy,”“optionally substituted non-aromatic heterocyclic group,” “optionallysubstituted C6 arene-1,4-diamine-N¹,N⁴-diyl,” and substituted C6arene-1,4-diamine-N¹,N⁴-diyl,” include alkyl optionally substituted witha substituent group D at one to three position(s), cycloalkyl, alkenyl,alkynyl, hydroxyl, alkyloxy optionally substituted with a substituentgroup A at one to three position(s), aryloxy (e.g., phenoxy) optionallysubstituted with a substituent group B at one to three position(s),thiol, alkylthio, halogen, nitro, cyano, carboxyl, sulfino,alkyloxycarbonyl, acyl, alkylsulfonyl, optionally substituted amino,optionally substituted carbamoyl, aryl (e.g., phenyl) optionallysubstituted with a substituent group B at one to three position(s),heteroaryl (e.g., pyridyl, furyl, thienyl, imidazolyl, oxazolyl,thiazolyl, pyrazolyl) optionally substituted with a substituent group Cat one to three position(s), non-aromatic heterocyclic group (e.g.,morpholinyl, pyrrolidinyl, piperazinyl) optionally substituted with asubstituent group C at one to three position(s), and the like. Theabove-referenced “optionally substituted” moieties can be substitutedwith one or more of the above-referenced substituent(s) at any possibleposition.

Substituent group A is comprised of halogen and phenyl optionallysubstituted with one to three substituent(s) selected from theSubstituent group B.

Substituent group B is comprised of halogen, alkyl, alkyloxy, cyano, andnitro.

Substituent group C is comprised of halogen and alkyl.

Substituent group D is comprised of halogen and alkyloxy.

In versions in which any R group (e.g., R¹, R², and/or R^(L)) isdesignated as “not hydrogen,” the R group is independently selected fromthe group consisting of halogen, optionally substituted alkyl,optionally substituted alkenyl, optionally substituted alkynyl,optionally substituted cycloalkyl, optionally substituted cycloalkenyl,hydroxyl, carboxyl, optionally substituted alkyloxy, optionallysubstituted alkenyloxy, optionally substituted alkynyloxy, optionallysubstituted cycloalkyloxy, optionally substituted cycloalkenyloxy,thiol, optionally substituted alkylthio, optionally substitutedalkenylthio, optionally substituted alkynylthio, optionally substitutedalkylsulfinyl, optionally substituted alkylsulfonyl, optionallysubstituted alkylsulfonyloxy, optionally substituted cycloalkylthio,optionally substituted cycloalkylsulfinyl, optionally substitutedcycloalkylsulfonyl, optionally substituted cycloalkylsulfonyloxy,optionally substituted cycloalkenylthio, optionally substitutedcycloalkenylsulfinyl, optionally substituted cycloalkenylsulfonyl,optionally substituted cycloalkenylsulfonyloxy, optionally substitutedamino, acyl, optionally substituted alkyloxycarbonyl, optionallysubstituted alkenyloxycarbonyl, optionally substitutedalkynyloxycarbonyl, optionally substituted aryloxycarbonyl, optionallysubstituted carbamoyl, optionally substituted sulfamoyl, cyano, nitro,optionally substituted aryl, optionally substituted aryloxy, optionallysubstituted arylthio, optionally substituted arylsulfinyl, optionallysubstituted arylsulfonyl, optionally substituted arylsulfonyloxy,optionally substituted heteroaryl, optionally substituted heteroaryloxy,optionally substituted heteroarylthio, optionally substitutedheteroarylsulfinyl, optionally substituted heteroarylsulfonyl,optionally substituted heteroarylsulfonyloxy, or an optionallysubstituted non-aromatic heterocyclic group.

For any R group defined as “not hydrogen,” the R group can further bedefined as “not hydrogen or halogen.” In cases in which the R group isfurther defined as “not hydrogen or halogen,” the R group isindependently selected from the group consisting of optionallysubstituted alkyl, optionally substituted alkenyl, optionallysubstituted alkynyl, optionally substituted cycloalkyl, optionallysubstituted cycloalkenyl, hydroxyl, carboxyl, optionally substitutedalkyloxy, optionally substituted alkenyloxy, optionally substitutedalkynyloxy, optionally substituted cycloalkyloxy, optionally substitutedcycloalkenyloxy, thiol, optionally substituted alkylthio, optionallysubstituted alkenylthio, optionally substituted alkynylthio, optionallysubstituted alkylsulfinyl, optionally substituted alkylsulfonyl,optionally substituted alkylsulfonyloxy, optionally substitutedcycloalkylthio, optionally substituted cycloalkylsulfinyl, optionallysubstituted cycloalkylsulfonyl, optionally substitutedcycloalkylsulfonyloxy, optionally substituted cycloalkenylthio,optionally substituted cycloalkenylsulfinyl, optionally substitutedcycloalkenylsulfonyl, optionally substituted cycloalkenylsulfonyloxy,optionally substituted amino, acyl, optionally substitutedalkyloxycarbonyl, optionally substituted alkenyloxycarbonyl, optionallysubstituted alkynyloxycarbonyl, optionally substituted aryloxycarbonyl,optionally substituted carbamoyl, optionally substituted sulfamoyl,cyano, nitro, optionally substituted aryl, optionally substitutedaryloxy, optionally substituted arylthio, optionally substitutedarylsulfinyl, optionally substituted arylsulfonyl, optionallysubstituted arylsulfonyloxy, optionally substituted heteroaryl,optionally substituted heteroaryloxy, optionally substitutedheteroarylthio, optionally substituted heteroarylsulfinyl, optionallysubstituted heteroarylsulfonyl, optionally substitutedheteroarylsulfonyloxy, or an optionally substituted non-aromaticheterocyclic group.

Unless otherwise defined, the term “substituted” refers to a moietycomprising any substituent described herein.

In some versions, at least one substituent in any pair of substituents(R² groups) of constituent ring atoms, unless explicitly specifiedotherwise, is a non-cyclic moiety. In some versions, at least onesubstituent in any pair of substituents of constituent ring atoms,unless explicitly specified otherwise, is independently hydrogen,halogen, or optionally substituted C1-C6 alkyl. In some versions, atleast one substituent in any pair of substituents of constituent ringatoms, unless explicitly specified otherwise, is independently hydrogenor halogen. In some versions, at least one substituent in any pair ofsubstituents of constituent ring atoms, unless explicitly specifiedotherwise, is hydrogen. “Vicinal” in this context refers to any twosubstituents bonded to adjacent constituent ring atoms.

In the course of the methods of the present invention, a therapeuticallyeffective amount of a compound of the invention can be administered toan animal, including mammals and humans, in many ways. While in thepreferred embodiment, the compounds of the invention are administeredorally, parenterally, or topically, other forms of administration suchas through medical compounds or aerosols are also contemplated.

For oral administration, the effective amount of compounds may beadministered in, for example, a solid, semi-solid, liquid, or gas state.Specific examples include tablet, capsule, powder, granule, solution,suspension, syrup, and elixir agents. However, the compounds are notlimited to these forms.

To formulate the compounds of the invention into tablets, capsules,powders, granules, solutions, or suspensions, the compound is preferablymixed with a binder, a disintegrating agent and/or a lubricant. Ifnecessary, the resultant composition may be mixed with a diluent, abuffer, an infiltrating agent, a preservative and/or a flavor, usingknown methods. Examples of the binder include crystalline cellulose,cellulose derivatives, cornstarch, cyclodextrins, and gelatin. Examplesof the disintegrating agent include cornstarch, potato starch, andsodium carboxymethylcellulose. Examples of the lubricant include talcand magnesium stearate. Further, additives, which have beenconventionally used, such as lactose and mannitol, may also be used.

For parenteral administration, the compounds of the present inventionmay be administered rectally or by injection. For rectal administration,a suppository may be used.

The suppository may be prepared by mixing the compounds of the presentinvention with a pharmaceutically suitable excipient that melts at bodytemperature but remains solid at room temperature. Examples include butare not limited to cacao butter, carbon wax, and polyethylene glycol.The resulting composition may be molded into any desired form usingmethods known to the field.

For administration by injection, the compounds of the present inventionmay be injected hypodermically, intracutaneously, intravenously, orintramuscularly. Medicinal drugs for such injection may be prepared bydissolving, suspending or emulsifying the compounds of the inventioninto an aqueous or non-aqueous solvent such as vegetable oil, glycerideof synthetic resin acid, ester of higher fatty acid, or propylene glycolby a known method. If desired, additives such as a solubilizing agent,an osmoregulating agent, an emulsifier, a stabilizer, or a preservative,which has been conventionally used may also be added. While notrequired, it is preferred that the composition be sterile or sterilized.

To formulate the compounds of the invention into suspensions, syrups, orelixirs, a pharmaceutically suitable solvent may be used. Included amongthese is the non-limiting example of water.

For topical administration, topical formulations can be in a form ofgel, cream, lotion, liquid, emulsion, ointment, spray, solution,suspension, and patches. Inactive ingredients in the topicalformulations for example include, but not limited to, lauryl lactate(emollient/permeation enhancer), diethylene glycol monoethylether(emollient/permeation enhancer), DMSO (solubility enhancer), siliconeelastomer (rheology/texture modifier), caprylic/capric triglyceride,(emollient), octisalate, (emollient/UV filter), silicone fluid(emollient/diluent), squalene (emollient), sunflower oil (emollient),and silicone dioxide (thickening agent).

The compounds of the invention may also be used together with anadditional compound having other pharmaceutically suitable activity toprepare a medicinal drug. A drug, either containing a compound of theinvention as a stand-alone compound or as part of a composition, may beused in the treatment of subjects in need thereof.

The compounds of the invention may also be administered in the form ofan aerosol or inhalant prepared by charging the compounds in the form ofa liquid or fine powder, together with a gaseous or liquid sprayingagent and, if necessary, a known auxiliary agent such as an inflatingagent, into a non-pressurized container such as an aerosol container ora nebulizer. A pressurized gas of, for example, dichlorofluoromethane,propane or nitrogen may be used as the spraying agent.

The compounds of the invention may be administered as a pharmaceuticalcomposition, such as tablets, capsules, solutions, or emulsions.Administration of other forms of the compounds described in thisinvention, including but not limited to esters thereof, pharmaceuticallysuitable salts thereof, metabolites thereof, structurally relatedcompounds thereof, analogs thereof, and combinations thereof, in asingle dose or a multiple dose, are also contemplated by the presentinvention.

The compounds of the invention may also be administered as a nutritionaladditive, either as a food or nutraceutical supplement.

The term “treating” refers to the full or partial reduction of acondition or any aspect, complication, or symptom thereof. Examplesinclude eliminating the condition, reducing the severity of thecondition, reducing the number of symptoms or complications of thecondition, eliminating a particular symptom or complication of thecondition, reducing the severity of one or more symptoms orcomplications of the condition, or eliciting any other change in thecondition of the patient that improves the therapeutic outcome.

The term “preventing” refers to the full or partial prophylaxis of acondition or any aspect, complication or symptom thereof. Examplesinclude prophylactically eliminating the condition, prophylacticallyreducing the severity of the condition, prophylactically reducing thenumber of symptoms or complications of the condition, prophylacticallyeliminating a particular symptom or complication of the condition,prophylactically reducing the severity of one or more symptoms orcomplications of the condition, or prophylactically eliciting any otherchange in the condition of the patient that improves the therapeuticoutcome.

The compounds described in this invention are preferably used and/oradministered in the form of a composition. In some versions, thecomposition comprises a single enantiomer of any compound providedherein. In some versions, the composition comprises a racemic mixture ofany compound provided herein. Suitable compositions are, preferably, apharmaceutical composition, a foodstuff, or a food supplement. Thesecompositions provide a convenient form in which to deliver thecompounds. Compositions of the invention may comprise an antioxidant inan amount effective to increase the stability of the compounds withrespect to oxidation or solubility.

The amount of compound that is administered in the method of theinvention or that is for administration in the use of the invention isany suitable amount. Examples include from 1 ng/kg body weight to 20g/kg body weight, such as from 1 μg/kg body weight to 1 g/kg body weightor from 0.5 mg/kg body weight to 50 mg/kg body weight of compound perday. Suitable compositions can be formulated accordingly. Those of skillin the art of dosing of biologically active agents will be able todevelop particular dosing regimens for various subjects based on knownand well understood parameters.

A preferred composition according to the invention is a pharmaceuticalcomposition, such as in the form of tablets, pills, capsules, caplets,multiparticulates (including granules, beads, pellets andmicro-encapsulated particles), powders, elixirs, syrups, suspensions,and solutions. Pharmaceutical compositions will typically comprise apharmaceutically acceptable diluent or carrier. Pharmaceuticalcompositions are preferably adapted for administration parenterally ororally. Orally administrable compositions may be in solid or liquid formand may take the form of tablets, powders, suspensions, and syrups,among other things. Optionally, the compositions comprise one or moreflavoring and/or coloring agents.

In general, therapeutic and nutritional compositions may comprise anysubstance that does not significantly interfere with the action of thecompounds on the subject.

Pharmaceutically acceptable carriers suitable for use in suchcompositions are well known in the art of pharmacy. The compositions ofthe invention may contain 0.01-99% by weight of the compounds of theinvention. The compositions of the invention are generally prepared inunit dosage form. Examples of unit dosages of the compounds of theinvention include from 0.1 mg to 2000 mg, such as 50 mg to 1000 mg. Theexcipients used in the preparation of these compositions are theexcipients known in the art.

Further examples of product forms for the composition are foodsupplements, such as in the form of a soft gel or a hard capsulecomprising an encapsulating material selected from the group consistingof gelatin, starch, modified starch, starch derivatives such as glucose,sucrose, lactose, and fructose. The encapsulating material mayoptionally contain cross-linking or polymerizing agents, stabilizers,antioxidants, light absorbing agents for protecting light-sensitivefills, preservatives, and the like.

In general, the term “carrier” represents a composition with which thecompounds described may be mixed, be it a pharmaceutical carrier,foodstuff, nutritional supplement, or dietary aid. The materialsdescribed above may be considered carriers for the purposes of theinvention. In certain embodiments of the invention, the carrier haslittle to no biological activity on the compounds of the invention.

Dose: The methods of the present invention can comprise administering atherapeutically effective amount of compound to an animal in needthereof. The effective amount of compound depends on the form of thecompound administered, the duration of the administration, the route ofadministration (e.g., oral or parenteral), the age of the animal, andthe condition of the animal, including mammals and humans. Exemplaryamounts range from 1 ng/kg/day to 20 g/kg/day, such as 50 μg/kg/day to 5g/kg/day or 0.5 to 50 mg/kg/day. The effective amount of compound ismost effective in treating or preventing the condition when administeredfor periods ranging from about 1 to 1000 days or longer, such as from 7to 300 days or from 30 to 90 days. The effective amount of compound maybe continued beyond these periods for maintenance of beneficialresponses in chronic diseases.

When the effective amount of the compound of the present invention isadministered in a nutritional, therapeutic, medical, or veterinarycomposition, an exemplary dose ranges from about 0.001 to 10.0% wt/wt tothe food or nutraceutical product.

When practiced, the methods of the invention can be by way ofadministering the compounds to a subject via any acceptableadministration route using any acceptable form, as is described above,and allowing the body of the subject to distribute the compounds to thetarget tissues and cells through natural processes. As is describedabove, administering can likewise be by direct injection to a site(e.g., organ, tissue) containing a target cell (i.e., a cell to betreated).

The amount to be administered will vary depending on the subject, stageof disease or disorder, age of the subject, general health of thesubject, and various other parameters known and routinely taken intoconsideration by those of skill in the medical arts. As a generalmatter, a sufficient amount of compound will be administered in order tomake a detectable change in the amount of inflammation systemically orin any particular tissue or site in the body. Reduction of inflammationmay be related to amount of pain experienced by the subject, insulin,anti-nuclear antigen antibodies, TNFα, or C-reactive protein levels inthe blood, the percent of regulatory T-cells in the blood, orconcentration of calprotectin in feces.

The methods of the present invention can provide treatments for reducinginflammation by affecting the metabolism of immune cells. The methodscan reduce inflammation systemically (i.e., throughout the subject'sbody) or locally (e.g., at the site of administration or the site ofinflammatory cells, including but not limited to T cells andmacrophages). In treating or preventing inflammation throughimmunometabolism, one effect that may be observed is a shift in themetabolism of glucose. In particular, the shift may be from theproduction of lactate from pyruvate towards the entrance into thetricarboxylic acid cycle that is tied with immunoinflammatory actions.More specifically, this shift in metabolism can be associated with anincrease in the proportion of CD4+CD25+FOXP3+ or other regulatory CD4+T-cells relative to effector CD4+ T-cells such as IL17+ Th17 or IFNγ+Th1effector cells. Another observed effect may be decreased cellularproliferation resulting from the combination of decreased anaerobicmetabolism and increased immune checkpoint pathways. Another effect ofshifts in metabolism triggered therapeutically may be decreasedexpression of inflammatory chemokines such as MCP-1, IL-8, or CXCL9resulting from altered processing and storage of fatty acids. Themethods can thus also be considered methods of affecting or altering theimmune response of a subject to whom the therapy is administered,thereby intercepting inflammation, disease, and pathology.

The methods of the present invention can provide methods of reducinginflammation. The methods can reduce inflammation systemically (i.e.,throughout the subject's body) or locally (e.g., at the site ofadministration or the site of inflammatory cells, including but notlimited to T cells and macrophages). In treating or preventinginflammation according to the methods of the present invention, oneeffect that may be seen is the decrease in the number of blood monocytesor macrophages and lymphocytes infiltrating a given tissue. Another maybe the increase in regulatory immune cell populations, such asCD4⁺CD25⁺FoxP3⁺ regulatory T-cells, or an increase in regulatoryproperties of lymphocytes or macrophages (e.g. increased interleukin 4(IL-4) or IL-10 or decreased TNF-α and IL-6). Another may be thedecreased presence of inflammatory genes and/or adhesion molecules. Themethods can thus also be considered methods of affecting or altering theimmune response of a subject to whom the therapy is administered. Thesubject may have any condition in which the immunomodulation of T cellsor downregulation of cellular adhesion molecules is a desired outcome.

The invention provides methods of treating inflammatory orimmune-mediated disease. The inflammatory or immune-mediated disease caninclude any disease described in Dattatreya et al. 2011 (Dattatreya etal., A Brief Review on Immune Mediated Diseases. J Clin Cell Immunol2011, S11. DOI: 10.4172/2155-9899.S11-001 ISSN:2155-9899 JCCI) andShurin et al. 2007 (Shurin M R, Smolkin Y S. Immune-mediated diseases:where do we stand? Adv Exp Med Biol. 2007; 601:3-12), among others.

The invention provides methods of treating inflammatory diseases withthe compounds described herein. The inflammatory diseases can comprisechronic inflammatory diseases. Non-limiting examples of chronicinflammatory diseases includes metabolic syndrome, obesity, prediabetes,cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, nonalcoholic fatty liverdisease, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, cirrhosis, asthma, allergies,chronic granulomatous disease, graft versus host disease, and tumornecrosis factor receptor associated periodic syndrome; muscle wasting,such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Duchenne muscular dystrophy,scoliosis, and progressive muscular atrophy; and others.

The invention provides methods of treating other inflammatory diseasessuch as acute colonic diverticulitis and radiation-induced inflammationof the gastrointestinal tract with the compounds described herein.Non-limiting examples of radiation-induced inflammation of thegastrointestinal tract include radiation proctitis, radiation enteritis,and radiation proctosigmoiditis.

The invention provides methods of treating chronic and/or inflammatoryrespiratory diseases. Non-limiting examples of chronic and/orinflammatory respiratory diseases include chronic obstructive pulmonarydisease and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

The invention provides methods of treating inflammatory conditions ofthe liver. Non-limiting examples of inflammatory conditions of the liverinclude nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis,and cirrhosis.

The invention provides methods of treating inflammatory conditions ofthe bile duct. Non-limiting examples of inflammatory conditions of thebile duct include primary biliary cholangitis and primary sclerosingcholangitis.

The invention provides methods of inhibiting inflammation in the GItract, wherein relevant components of the GI tract can include thestomach, small intestine, large intestine, and rectum.

The invention provides methods of treating chronic and/or inflammatorycentral nervous diseases. Non-limiting examples of chronic and/orinflammatory central nervous diseases include Alzheimer's disease,Parkinson's disease, neuroinflammation resulting from stroke, traumaticbrain injury, or spinal cord injury.

The invention provides methods of treating autoimmune diseases, such asinflammatory autoimmune diseases, with the compounds described herein.Non-limiting examples of autoimmune diseases include inflammatory boweldisease (IBD) (e.g., Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis), irritablebowel syndrome (IBS), lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, Sjogren's syndrome,systemic scleroderma, type 1 diabetes, psoriasis, autoimmuneencephalitis, multiple sclerosis, sarcoidosis, Guillain-Barre syndrome,Grave's disease, antiphospholipid syndrome andcancer-immunotherapy-induced autoimmune diseases, among others.Non-limiting examples of cancer-immunotherapy-induced autoimmunediseases include cancer immunotherapy-induced rheumatic diseases.Non-limiting examples of multiple sclerosis include relapsing-remittingmultiple sclerosis, secondary progressive multiple sclerosis, andprimary progressive multiple sclerosis. Non-limiting examples of lupusinclude systemic lupus erythematosus, lupus nephritis, and cutaneouslupus. Systemic lupus erythematosus is an autoimmune disease in whichthe immune system reacts to nuclear antigens and forms immune complexesthat can aggregate or cause damage to multiple organ systems includingskin, joints, kidneys, brain, the heart and cardiovascular systems andother organs. The invention also provides methods of treatinginflammation associated with autoimmune diseases.

The compounds of the invention can be used to treat or ameliorate thecomplications arising from type 1 diabetes or other autoimmune diseases.Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease characterized as a chroniccondition in which the pancreas produces little to no insulin as aresult of immunological destruction of insulin-producing beta cellswithin pancreatic islets. The insulin deficiency leads to chronichyperglycemia that can cause organ damage, shortened lifespan, andreduced quality of life. The disease is also referred to as juvenilediabetes or insulin-dependent diabetes.

The invention provides methods of treating allergic diseases. Examplesof allergic diseases include hay fever (seasonal allergies), sinusitis,asthma, eczema, hives, anaphylaxis.

The invention provides methods of treating metabolic diseases with thecompounds described herein. Non-limiting examples of such metabolicdiseases include hyperglycemia. Non-limiting examples of hyperglycemiainclude type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, and prediabetes, and maturityonset diabetes of the young (MODY). Non-limiting examples ofcomplications from hyperglycemia include diabetic nephropathy, diabeticretinopathy, chronic pain, diabetic neuropathy, diabetic kidney disease,deep vein thrombosis, and atherosclerosis.

The invention provides methods of treating an infectious disease withthe compounds described herein. Non-limiting examples of such infectiousdiseases include viral infections, bacterial infections, and fungalinfections.

Non-limiting examples of viral infections include infections fromviruses in the family adenoviridae, such as adenovirus; viruses in thefamily herpesviridae such as herpes simplex, type 1, herpes simplex,type 2, varicella-zoster virus, epstein-barr virus, humancytomegalovirus, human herpesvirus, and type 8; viruses in the familypapillomaviridae such as human papillomavirus; viruses in the familypolyomaviridae such as BK virus and JC virus; viruses in the familypoxviridae such as smallpox; viruses in the family hepadnaviridae suchas hepatitis B virus; viruses in the family parvoviridae such as humanbocavirus and parvovirus B19; viruses in the family astroviridae such ashuman astrovirus; viruses in the family caliciviridae such as norwalkvirus; viruses in the family picornaviridae such as coxsackievirus,hepatitis A virus, poliovirus, and rhinovirus; viruses in the familycoronaviridae such as acute respiratory syndrome virus; viruses in thefamily flaviviridae such as hepatitis C virus, yellow fever virus,dengue virus, and West Nile virus, viruses in the family togaviridaesuch as rubella virus; viruses in the family hepeviridae such ashepatitis E virus; viruses in the family retroviridae such as humanimmunodeficiency virus (HIV); viruses in the family orthomyxoviridaesuch as influenza virus; viruses in the family arenaviridae such asguanarito virus, junin virus, lassa virus, machupo virus, and sabiivirus; viruses in the family bunyaviridae such as Crimean-Congohemorrhagic fever virus; viruses in the family filoviridae such as ebolavirus and marburg virus; coronavirus (COVID-19); viruses in the familyparamyxoviridae such as measles virus, mumps virus, parainfluenza virus,respiratory syncytial virus, human metapneumovirus, hendra virus, andnipah virus; viruses in the family rhabdoviridae such as rabies virus;unassigned viruses such as hepatitis D virus; and viruses in the familyreoviridae such as rotavirus, orbivirus, coltivirus, and banna virus,among others.

Non-limiting examples of bacterial infections include infections withthe bacteria described above, in addition to Bacillus anthracis,Bacillus cereus, Bordetella pertussis, Borrelia burgdorferi, Brucellaabortus, Brucella canis, Brucella melitensis, Brucella suisCampylobacter jejuni Chlamydia pneumoniae, Chlamydia trachomatis,Chlamydophila psittaci, Clostridium botulinum, Clostridium difficile,Clostridium perfringens, Clostridium tetani, Corynebacteriumdiphtheriae, Enterococcus faecalis, Enterococcus faecium, Escherichiacoli, Francisella tularensis, Haemophilus influenzae, Helicobacterpylori, Legionella pneumophila, Leptospira interrogans, Listeriamonocytogenes, Mycobacterium leprae, Mycobacterium tuberculosis,Mycobacterium ulcerans, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Neisseria gonorrhoeae,Neisseria meningitidis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Rickettsia rickettsii,Salmonella typhi, Salmonella typhimurium, Shigella sonnei,Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcussaprophyticus, Streptococcus agalactiae, Streptococcus pneumoniae,Streptococcus pyogenes, Treponema pallidum, Vibrio cholerae, Yersiniapestis, Yersinia enterocolitica, Yersinia pseudotuberculosis, and otherspecies from the genera of the above-mentioned organisms.

Non-limiting examples of fungal infections include infection with fungiof the genus Aspergillus, such as Aspergillus fumigatus, which causeaspergillosis; fungi of the genus Blastomyces, such as Blastomycesdermatitidis, which cause blastomycosis; fungi of the genus Candida,such as Candida albicans, which cause candidiasis; fungi of the genusCoccidioides, which cause coccidioidomycosis (valley fever); fungi ofthe genus Cryptococcus, such as Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcusgatthi, which cause cryptococcosis; dermatophytes fungi, which causeringworm; fungi that cause fungal keratitis, such as Fusarium species,Aspergillus species, and Candida species; fungi of the genusHistoplasma, such as Histoplasma capsulatum, which cause histoplasmosis;fungi of the order Mucorales, which cause mucormycosis; fungi of thegenus Saccharomyces, such as Saccharomyces cerevisiae; fungi of thegenus Pneumocystis, such as Pneumocystis jirovecii, which causepneumocystis pneumonia; and fungi of the genus Sporothrix, such asSporothrix schenckii, which cause sporotrichosis.

The invention also provides methods of treating cancer with thecompounds described herein. Non-limiting examples of such cancersinclude colorectal cancer, familial adenomatous polyposis (PAP), throatcancer, thyroid cancer, gastric cancer, cancers of the gastrointestinaltract, pancreatic cancer, Hodgkin lymphoma, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, acutemyeloid leukemia, hepatocellular cancer, gastrointestinal stromaltumors, acute lymphoblastic leukemia, chronic myeloproliferativedisorders, hypereosinophilic syndrome, mastocytosis, among others.

The depiction or definition of any moiety or compound provided hereinencompasses any tautomer of the moiety or compound, unless the contextclearly dictates otherwise.

The depiction or definition of any moiety or compound provided hereinencompasses any salt of the moiety or compound, unless the contextclearly dictates otherwise.

The elements and method steps described herein can be used in anycombination whether explicitly described or not.

All combinations of method steps as used herein can be performed in anyorder, unless otherwise specified or clearly implied to the contrary bythe context in which the referenced combination is made.

As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include pluralreferents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.

Numerical ranges as used herein are intended to include every number andsubset of numbers contained within that range, whether specificallydisclosed or not. Further, these numerical ranges should be construed asproviding support for a claim directed to any number or subset ofnumbers in that range. For example, a disclosure of from 1 to 10 shouldbe construed as supporting a range of from 2 to 8, from 3 to 7, from 5to 6, from 1 to 9, from 3.6 to 4.6, from 3.5 to 9.9, and so forth.

All patents, patent publications, and peer-reviewed publications (i.e.,“references”) cited herein are expressly incorporated by reference tothe same extent as if each individual reference were specifically andindividually indicated as being incorporated by reference. In case ofconflict between the present disclosure and the incorporated references,the present disclosure controls.

It is understood that the invention is not confined to the particularconstruction and arrangement of parts herein illustrated and described,but embraces such modified forms thereof as come within the scope of theclaims.

EXAMPLES Molecular Modeling Example 1. Molecular Modeling of LANCLLigands

Using previously described ligands of LANCL2, including abscisic acid,we determined the existence of a high affinity binding site in LANCL2.We identified a binding pocket with similar biochemistry in thestructure of LANCL3. Using the shape, residues and polarity of thesebinding pockets, we developed a novel scaffold. Derivatives of thisscaffold were then docked in silico to the LANCL2 and LANCL3 structures.

Methods

Virtual Screening. To provide additional insights into preliminaryscaffolds, ligand databases were docked onto LANCL2 and LANCL3 usingAutoDock Vina at each of the two sites using cuboid search grid of size(58×40×40 angstrom) to provide predicted binding affinities andconformations of ligands. Binding affinity was normalized to molecularweight of the ligand. Top ligands were selected for further examinationof binding pose.

Compound generation. From the identified residues and predictedbiochemical interactions, structures were generated for high affinityLANCL ligands. In silico medicinal chemistry approaches were utilized togenerate a library of derivatives. Structure files were generated in.pdbqt format.

Analysis. Compounds were preliminarily ranked by lowest predictedbinding affinity normalized to molecular weight representing the mostfavorable binding pose through a minimization of total intermolecularenergy, total internal energy and torsional free energy. Compounds werethen prioritized based on favorable distances to critical bindingresidues on LANCL2 and LANCL3.

Results

From the virtual screening and optimization of new chemical entities(NCEs), the highest affinity LANCL-binding NCEs were largely comprisedof compounds with a terminal cinnoline ring system. In general, bindingaffinities were observed to be increased in compounds that containedlipophilic substituents at A³, nonpolar substituents at A¹³ or A²⁴,and/or polar substituents at A₁₀ or A₂₁. The binding affinities ofselected family members are provided in FIGS. 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E, 1F,1G, 1H, 1I, 1J, 1K, 1L, 1M, 1N, 1O, 1P, 1Q, and 1R. The predictedbinding affinities in the respective lowest energy binding configurationranged from −8.0 kcal/mol to −10.5 kcal/mol. The highest bindingcompound in this class of NCEs was observed to beN-(5-(6-trifluoromethylcinnolin-4-yl)pyridin-3-yl)-2-hydroxy-2-(1H-imidazol-2-yl)-2-phenylacetamide, termedBT-108-15. Other compounds with similarly high affinity for both LANCL2and LANCL3 included BT-108-1 (N-(5-(cinnolin-4-yl)pyridin-3-yl)-2-hydroxy-2-(1H-imidazol-2-yl)-2-phenylacetamide) andBT-108-12(N-(5-(cinnolin-4-yl)pyridin-3-yl)-2-hydroxy-2-(1H-imidazol-2-yl)-2-(3-methoxyphenyl)acetamide).BT-108-2(N-(5-(cinnolin-4-yl)-4-methylpyridin-3-yl)-2-hydroxy-2-(1H-imidazol-2-yl)-2-phenylacetamide)showed substantially increased predicted affinity for LANCL2 compared toLANCL3. In contrast, BT-108-16 (N-(5-(6-methoxycinnolin-4-yl)pyridin-3-yl)-2-hydroxy-2-(1H-imidazol-2-yl)-2-phenylacetamide) showedgreater affinity for LANCL3 compared to LANCL2. In general, minimaldifferences were present between stereoisomers, although exceptions didexist. Based on binding results and predicted physicochemical propertiescompounds were selected from this class for synthesis.

Medicinal Chemistry Example 2. BT-108-1

The synthesis of BT-108-1 (FIG. 2A) was a five step process as detailedbelow.

Bispinacolatodiboron and potassium acetate were charged to a stirredsolution of 5-bromopyridin-3-amine in 1, 4-dioxane. After addingPdCl2(dppf), the reaction mixture was purged with nitrogen gas. Thereaction mass was heated to 80° C. After completion of reaction, mixturewas cooled to 25° C.-30° C., filtered through celite bed and washed withethyl acetate to afford 5-aminopyridin-3-yl)boronic acid.

A stirred solution of 4-chlorocinnoline, 5-aminopyridin-3-yl)boronicacid and potassium carbonate in water/1,4-dioxane (8:2 V) was purgedwith nitrogen gas. After adding PdCl2(dppf), the reaction mixture waspurged with nitrogen gas. The reaction mass was heated to 80° C. Aftercompletion of reaction, mixture was cooled to 25° C.-30° C., filteredthrough celite bed and washed with ethyl acetate to afford5-(cinnolin-4-yl)pyridin-3-amine.

TEA was added to a solution of 5-(cinnolin-4-yl)pyridin-3-amine and2-oxo-2-phenylacetic acid in THF at 0-5° C. The reaction mass wasstirred followed by addition of T3P in ethyl acetate. After completion,the reaction mass was quenched with water and extracted with ethylacetate to afford N-(5-(cinnolin-4-yl)pyridin-3-yl)-2-oxo-2-phenylacetamide.

p-Toluene sulfonic acid was added to a solution of 1H-imidazole intriethyl orthoformate and stirred at 130° C. Excess triethylorthoformate was removed by vacuum distillation, followed by addition ofsodium carbonate to afford 1-(diethoxymethyl)-1H-imidazole.

A stirred solution of 1-(diethoxymethyl)-1H-imidazole in THF was cooledto −60 to −65° C. n-BuLi in hexane was added to the solution and stirredat same temperature. N-(5-(cinnolin-4-yl)pyridin-3-yl)-2-oxo-2-phenylacetamide dissolved in THF was added to thesolution and stirred at same temperature. Crude product was purified byreverse phase column chromatography followed by lyophilization overnightto afford N-(5-(cinnolin-4-yl)pyridin-3-yl)-2-hydroxy-2-(1H-imidazol-2-yl)-2-phenylacetamide. 1H NMR(401 MHz, DMSO): δ 12.03 (s, 1H), 11.12 (s, 1H), 9.41 (s, 1H), 9.12 (s,1H), 8.59 (d, J=7.8 Hz, 2H), 8.47 (s, 1H), 8.03 (q, J=8.0 Hz, 2H), 7.94(t, J=7.5 Hz, 1H), 7.57 (d, J=7.6 Hz, 2H), 7.33 (m, J=7.1 Hz, 4H), 7.02(d, J=62.2 Hz, 2H).

Example 3. BT-108-2

The synthesis of BT-108-2 (FIG. 2B) was a five step process as detailedbelow.

Bispinacolatodiboron and potassium acetate were charged to a stirredsolution of 5-bromo-4-methylpyridin-3-amine in 1, 4-dioxane. Afteradding PdCl2(dppf), the reaction mixture was purged with nitrogen gas.The reaction mass was heated to 80° C. After completion of reaction,mixture was cooled to 25° C.-30° C., filtered through celite bed andwashed with ethyl acetate to afford(4-methylpyridin-3-amine-5-yl)boronic acid.

A stirred solution of 4-chlorocinnoline,(4-methylpyridin-3-amine-5-yl)boronic acid and potassium carbonate inwater/1,4-dioxane (8:2 V) was purged with nitrogen gas. After addingPdCl2(dppf), the reaction mixture was purged with nitrogen gas. Thereaction mass was heated to 80° C. After completion of reaction, mixturewas cooled to 25° C.-30° C., filtered through celite bed and washed withethyl acetate to afford 5-(cinnolin-4-yl)-4-methylpyridin-3-amine.

TEA was added to a solution of 5-(cinnolin-4-yl)-4-methylpyridin-3-amineand 2-(1-benzylimidazol-2-yl)-2-oxoacetic acid in THF at 0-5° C. Thereaction mass was stirred followed by addition of T3P in ethyl acetate.After completion, the reaction mass was quenched with water andextracted with ethyl acetate to affordN-(5-(cinnolin-4-yl)-4-methylpyridin-3-yl)-2-oxo-2-(1-benzylimidazol-2-yl)acetamide.

A stirred solution of bromophenylmagnesium in THF was cooled to −78° C.N-(5-(cinnolin-4-yl)-4-methylpyridin-3-yl)-2-oxo-2-(1-benzylimidazol-2-yl)acetamidedissolved in THF was added to the solution and heated to rt. Aftercompletion, the reaction mass was quenched and extracted with ethylacetate to affordN-(5-(cinnolin-4-yl)-4-methylpyridin-3-yl)-2-hydroxy-2-(1-benzylimidazol-2-yl)-2-phenylacetamide.

Palladium-charcoal under hydrogen was added toN-(5-(cinnolin-4-yl)-4-methylpyridin-3-yl)-2-hydroxy-2-(1-benzylimidazol-2-yl)-2-phenylacetamideat stirred at rt. After completion, the reaction mass was quenched andextracted with ethyl acetate. Crude product was purified by reversephase column chromatography followed by lyophilization overnight toaffordN-(5-(cinnolin-4-yl)-4-methylpyridin-3-yl)-2-hydroxy-2-(1H-imidazol-2-yl)-2-phenylacetamide.

Example 4. BT-108-6

The synthesis of BT-108-6 (FIG. 2C) was a five step process as detailedbelow.

Bispinacolatodiboron and potassium acetate were charged to a stirredsolution of 5-bromo-2-methoxypyridin-3-amine in 1, 4-dioxane. Afteradding PdCl2(dppf), the reaction mixture was purged with nitrogen gas.The reaction mass was heated to 80° C. After completion of reaction,mixture was cooled to 25° C.-30° C., filtered through celite bed andwashed with ethyl acetate to afford(2-methoxypyridin-3-amine-5-yl)boronic acid.

A stirred solution of 4-chlorocinnoline,(2-methoxypyridin-3-amine-5-yl)boronic acid and potassium carbonate inwater/1,4-dioxane (8:2 V) was purged with nitrogen gas. After addingPdCl2(dppf), the reaction mixture was purged with nitrogen gas. Thereaction mass was heated to 80° C. After completion of reaction, mixturewas cooled to 25° C.-30° C., filtered through celite bed and washed withethyl acetate to afford 5-(cinnolin-4-yl)-2-methoxypyridin-3-amine.

TEA was added to a solution of5-(cinnolin-4-yl)-2-methoxypyridin-3-amine and2-(1-benzylimidazol-2-yl)-2-oxoacetic acid in THF at 0-5° C. Thereaction mass was stirred followed by addition of T3P in ethyl acetate.After completion, the reaction mass was quenched with water andextracted with ethyl acetate to affordN-(5-(cinnolin-4-yl)-2-methoxypyridin-3-yl)-2-oxo-2-(1-benzylimidazol-2-yl)acetamide.

A stirred solution of bromophenylmagnesium in THF was cooled to −78° C.N-(5-(cinnolin-4-yl)-2-methoxypyridin-3-yl)-2-oxo-2-(1-benzylimidazol-2-yl)acetamidedissolved in THF was added to the solution and heated to rt. Aftercompletion, the reaction mass was quenched and extracted with ethylacetate to affordN-(5-(cinnolin-4-yl)-2-methoxypyridin-3-yl)-2-hydroxy-2-(1-benzylimidazol-2-yl)-2-phenylacetamide.

Palladium-charcoal under hydrogen was added toN-(5-(cinnolin-4-yl)-2-methoxypyridin-3-yl)-2-hydroxy-2-(1-benzylimidazol-2-yl)-2-phenylacetamideat stirred at rt. After completion, the reaction mass was quenched andextracted with ethyl acetate. Crude product was purified by reversephase column chromatography followed by lyophilization overnight toaffordN-(5-(cinnolin-4-yl)-2-methoxypyridin-3-yl)-2-hydroxy-2-(1H-imidazol-2-yl)-2-phenylacetamide.

Example 5. BT-108-8

The synthesis of BT-108-8 (FIG. 2D) was a five step process as detailedbelow.

Bispinacolatodiboron and potassium acetate were charged to a stirredsolution of 5-bromopyridin-3-amine in 1, 4-dioxane. After addingPdCl2(dppf), the reaction mixture was purged with nitrogen gas. Thereaction mass was heated to 80° C. After completion of reaction, mixturewas cooled to 25° C.-30° C., filtered through celite bed and washed withethyl acetate to afford 5-aminopyridin-3-yl)boronic acid.

A stirred solution of 4-chlorocinnoline, 5-aminopyridin-3-yl)boronicacid and potassium carbonate in water/1,4-dioxane (8:2 V) was purgedwith nitrogen gas. After adding PdCl2(dppf), the reaction mixture waspurged with nitrogen gas. The reaction mass was heated to 80° C. Aftercompletion of reaction, mixture was cooled to 25° C.-30° C., filteredthrough celite bed and washed with ethyl acetate to afford5-(cinnolin-4-yl)pyridin-3-amine.

Oxalyl chloride and a catalytic amount of DMF was added to a solution of2-oxo-2-(o-tolyl)acetic acid in DCM at 0-5° C. The reaction mass wasstirred at rt. After completion, the reaction mass was evaporatedcompletely under N2 atmosphere.

Sodium hydride was added to a solution of5-(cinnolin-4-yl)pyridin-3-amine in THF at 0-5° C. and stirred at 0-5°C. The acid chloride product from the previous step was dissolved in THFand added to the reaction mass. The reaction mass was allowed to stir atrt. After completion, the reaction was quenched with water and extractedwith ethyl acetate. Organic layer was dried over anhydrous sodiumsulfate and concentrated under reduced pressure to affordN-(5-(cinnolin-4-yl)pyridin-3-yl)-2-oxo-2-(o-tolyl)acetamide.

A stirred solution of 1-(diethoxymethyl)-1H-imidazole in THF was cooledto −60 to −65° C. n-BuLi in hexane was added to the solution and stirredat same temperature.N-(5-(cinnolin-4-yl)pyridin-3-yl)-2-oxo-2-(o-tolyl)acetamide dissolvedin THF was added to the solution and stirred at same temperature. Crudeproduct was purified by reverse phase column chromatography followed bylyophilization overnight to affordN-(5-(cinnolin-4-yl)pyridin-3-yl)-2-hydroxy-2-(1H-imidazol-2-yl)-2-(o-tolyl)acetamide.1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6): δ 11.86 (s, 1H), 10.69 (s, 1H), 9.42 (s, 1H),9.15 (d, J=2.0 Hz, 1H), 8.62-8.55 (m, 2H), 8.48 (t, J=2.0 Hz, 1H),8.06-8.00 (m, 2H), 7.98-7.90 (m, 1H), 7.25-7.05 (m, 4H), 6.98-6.90 (m,2H), 6.86 (d, J=7.2 Hz, 1H), 2.18 (s, 3H).

Example 6. BT-108-12

The synthesis of BT-108-12 (FIG. 2E) was a five step process as detailedbelow.

Bispinacolatodiboron and potassium acetate were charged to a stirredsolution of 5-bromopyridin-3-amine in 1, 4-dioxane. After addingPdCl2(dppf), the reaction mixture was purged with nitrogen gas. Thereaction mass was heated to 80° C. After completion of reaction, mixturewas cooled to 25° C.-30° C., filtered through celite bed and washed withethyl acetate to afford 5-aminopyridin-3-yl)boronic acid.

A stirred solution of 4-chlorocinnoline, 5-aminopyridin-3-yl)boronicacid and potassium carbonate in water/1,4-dioxane (8:2 V) was purgedwith nitrogen gas. After adding PdCl2(dppf), the reaction mixture waspurged with nitrogen gas. The reaction mass was heated to 80° C. Aftercompletion of reaction, mixture was cooled to 25° C.-30° C., filteredthrough celite bed and washed with ethyl acetate to afford5-(cinnolin-4-yl)pyridin-3-amine.

Oxalyl chloride and a catalytic amount of DMF was added to a solution of2-(3-methoxyphenyl)-2-oxoacetic acid in DCM at 0-5° C. The reaction masswas stirred at rt. After completion, the reaction mass was evaporatedcompletely under N2 atmosphere.

Sodium hydride was added to a solution of5-(cinnolin-4-yl)pyridin-3-amine in THF at 0-5° C. and stirred at 0-5°C. The acid chloride product from the previous step was dissolved in THFand added to the reaction mass. The reaction mass was allowed to stir atrt. After completion, the reaction was quenched with water and extractedwith ethyl acetate. Organic layer was dried over anhydrous sodiumsulfate and concentrated under reduced pressure to affordN-(5-(cinnolin-4-yl)pyridin-3-yl)-2-(3-methoxyphenyl)-2-oxoacetamide.

A stirred solution of 1-(diethoxymethyl)-1H-imidazole in THF was cooledto −60 to −65° C. n-BuLi in hexane was added to the solution and stirredat same temperature.N-(5-(cinnolin-4-yl)pyridin-3-yl)-2-(3-methoxyphenyl)-2-oxoacetamidedissolved in THF was added to the solution and stirred at sametemperature. Crude product was purified by reverse phase columnchromatography followed by lyophilization overnight to affordN-(5-(cinnolin-4-yl)pyridin-3-yl)-2-hydroxy-2-(1H-imidazol-2-yl)-2-(3-methoxyphenyl)acetamide.1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6): δ 12.02 (s, 1H), 11.13 (s, 1H), 9.41 (s, 1H),9.12 (d, J=1.6 Hz, 1H), 8.62-8.58 (m, 2H), 8.46 (s, 1H), 8.08-8.00 (m,2H), 7.98-7.90 (m, 1H), 7.35-7.20 (m, 2H), 7.20-6.90 (m, 4H), 6.90-6.85(m, 1H), 3.72 (s, 3H).

Example 7. BT-108-15

The synthesis of BT-108-15 (FIG. 2F) was a four step process as detailedbelow.

Bispinacolatodiboron and potassium acetate were charged to a stirredsolution of 5-bromopyridin-3-amine in 1, 4-dioxane. After addingPdCl2(dppf), the reaction mixture was purged with nitrogen gas. Thereaction mass was heated to 80° C. After completion of reaction, mixturewas cooled to 25° C.-30° C., filtered through celite bed and washed withethyl acetate to afford 5-aminopyridin-3-yl)boronic acid.

A stirred solution of 4-chloro-6-(trifluoromethyl)cinnoline,5-aminopyridin-3-yl)boronic acid and potassium carbonate inwater/1,4-dioxane (8:2 V) was purged with nitrogen gas. After addingPdCl2(dppf), the reaction mixture was purged with nitrogen gas. Thereaction mass was heated to 80° C. After completion of reaction, mixturewas cooled to 25° C.-30° C., filtered through celite bed and washed withethyl acetate to afford5-(6-trifluoromethylcinnolin-4-yl)pyridin-3-amine.

TEA was added to a solution of5-(6-trifluoromethylcinnolin-4-yl)pyridin-3-amine and2-oxo-2-phenylacetic acid in THF at 0-5° C. The reaction mass wasstirred followed by addition of T3P in ethyl acetate. After completion,the reaction mass was quenched with water and extracted with ethylacetate to afford N-(5-(6-trifluoromethylcinnolin-4-yl)pyridin-3-yl)-2-oxo-2-phenylacetamide.

A stirred solution of 1-(diethoxymethyl)-1H-imidazole in THF was cooledto −60 to −65° C. n-BuLi in hexane was added to the solution and stirredat same temperature. N-(5-(6-trifluoromethylcinnolin-4-yl)pyridin-3-yl)-2-oxo-2-phenylacetamide dissolved in THF was added to thesolution and stirred at same temperature. Crude product was purified byreverse phase column chromatography followed by lyophilization overnightto affordN-(5-(6-trifluoromethylcinnolin-4-yl)pyridin-3-yl)-2-hydroxy-2-(1H-imidazol-2-yl)-2-phenylacetamide.

Experimental Studies Example 8. Immunological Evaluation of LANCL3 InVitro in CD4+ T Cells Introduction

CD4+ T cells are central to the pathogenesis of many autoimmune diseasesand the amplification of inflammatory responses that can contribute toorgan damage. As such, the trafficking and differentiation of thesecells is an effective option for the amelioration of symptoms andprevention of flares in autoimmune disease.

Methods

Cell culture. Spleens were excised from wild-type and LANCL3−/− C57BL/6mice. Spleens were crushed between the frosted ends of microscope slidesand filtered to provide a cellular suspension. Red blood cells werelysed through hypotonic lysis. Remaining cells were washed and filtered.CD4+ T cells were enriched within the suspension using magnetic sortingbased negative selection. For 6 hours, cells were stimulated withphorbol 12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA) and ionomycin.

Immunological analysis. Cells were collected from 96 well plates andstained with a cocktail of antibodies for immunophenotyping by flowcytometry. Data was captured on a BD FACS Celesta and analyzed usingFACSDiva.

Results

Increased proportions of IL17+CD4+ T cells and decreased proportions ofFOXP3+CD4+ T cells were observed in samples from LANCL3−/− mice whencompared to wild-type mice (FIGS. 3A and 3B), suggesting a bias forinflammatory subsets with the loss of LANCL3.

Example 9. Immunometabolic Evaluation of LANCL3 In Vitro in Bone MarrowDerived Dendritic Cells (BMDC) and Bone Marrow Derived Macrophages(BMDM) Introduction

As a critical cell type in the innate immune response, macrophages anddendritic cells have a diverse spectrum of functions as both tissueresident cells and cells recruited to sites of inflammation from theblood. In both sites of inflammation and germinal centers, dendriticcells are key cell type involved in the processing and presentation ofantigens.

Based on their polarization, dendritic cells and macrophages can serveas phagocytes, activators of other immune cells, and resolvers ofinflammation, among other functions. The immune functions of LANCL3 areunknown in dendritic cells and macrophages.

Methods

Cell culture. Bone marrow was flushed from the femur and tibia ofwild-type and LANCL3−/− C57BL/6 mice. Bone marrow was then resuspendedand filtered to provide a cellular suspension. Red blood cells werelysed through hypotonic lysis. Remaining cells were washed and filtered.Isolated cells were incubated in the presence of GM-CSF for 7 days todifferentiate cells into dendritic cells. Cells were harvested, platedwithin 96 well plates. Cells were treated with oligomycin androtenone/antimycin A in accordance with the Real-Time ATP Rate assay andanalyzed by extracellular flux analyzer for mitochondrial ATPproduction. Separately, wild-type and LANCL3−/− bone marrow wasdifferentiated into macrophages by incubation with M-CSF. BMDM wereplated in 96 well plates following harvesting and stimulated with LPS(100 ng/mL) for 6 h. Expression of TNF and I110 was assessed by flowcytometry.

Results

LANCL3−/− BMDC displayed a significantly lower rate of ATP productionfrom the mitochondria in comparison to wild-type BMDC (FIG. 4 ).Increased TNF+ and decreased IL10+ BMDM were observed in LANCL3−/−samples following LPS stimulation in comparison to wild-type BMDM (FIGS.5A and 5B).

Example 10. Loss of LANCL3 in an Acute Model of IBD Introduction

Inflammatory bowel disease is a multifactorial disease with many diseaseprocesses initiated by actions or dysfunction of the epithelial barrier.A prominent and accepted animal model of the disease is induced by theadministration of dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) in the drinking water ofmice. Intake of DSS acts to disrupt and destroy the epithelial barrierin the distal gastrointestinal tract, in particular the colon. Thedisruption of the epithelial barrier allows for infiltration of themicrobiome in the colonic mucosa and the ensuing recruitment andactivation of immune cells, resulting in observed rectal inflammationand bleeding.

Methods

DSS model. Wild-type and C57BL/6 mice were given DSS in drinking waterfor seven days to induce disruption of the epithelial layer. At projectinitiation, mice were 8 weeks of age. Mice were scored daily forsymptoms of disease (diarrhea, rectal bleeding, rectal inflammation,overall behavior).

Results

LANCL3−/− mice were observed to present with significantly worseneddisease when compared to wild-type (FIG. 6 ). In addition to higher peakdisease, LANCL3−/− mice were quicker to develop rectal bleeding incomparison to wild-type.

Example 11. Loss of LANCL3 in a Model of Diet-Induced ObesityIntroduction

Obesity is a growing epidemic in the United States and worldwide.Resulting from poor diet and inactivity, obesity is a major cause ofprediabetes and type 2 diabetes, which affect between 20 and 30% of theadult population. Paramount in these conditions is impaired glycemiccontrol which can result from numerous factors including poor insulinsensitivity, decreased metabolic activity in muscle and systemicinflammation.

Methods

HFD-induced model. Wild-type and LANCL3−/− C57BL/6 mice were placed on ahigh fat diet with 60% of calories derived from fat for 12 weeks. Micewere fasted for 4 hours then given an oral dose of glucose (2 g/kg).Blood glucose levels were measured a 0, 15, 30, 60, 90, and 120 minutespost-glucose by glucometer.

Results

The loss of LANCL3 resulted in impaired glucose homeostasis (FIG. 7 ).LANCL3−/− mice experienced higher peak glucose levels and had a slowerreturn to basal levels when compared to wild-type mice.

Example 12. Loss of LANCL3 in a Model of Experimental AutoimmuneEncephalomyelitis Introduction

MS afflicts over 700,000 people in the United States and 2.2 millionworldwide. This widespread and debilitating illness results in decreasedquality of life, with over 1.1 million DALYs, and significant healthcarerelated costs, over $28 billion yearly in the US. Despite advances andnew therapies, no evidence of disease activity (NEDA) rates are 30-40%,yearly relapse rates for MS are still 30%, with only minimal effects onthe progression of disease and time to disability. MS may result fromdeficiencies in both the immune and central nervous system which combineto result in the demyelination and damage to neurons.

Methods

Mouse model. Wild-type and LANCL3−/− C57BL6 mice were challenged at 6-to 8-weeks of age with MOG immunization. Complete Freund's adjuvant(CFA) was prepared by suspension of heat-killed Mycobacteriumtuberculosis (H37RA) at 10 mg/mL in incomplete Freund's adjuvant.MOG35-55 was resuspended in sterile nanopure water to a concentration of2 mg/mL. CFA and MOG35-55 solution were emulsified in a 1:1 ratio usingglass syringes and a near-closed three-way valve for 10 minutes.Emulsion was left to sit for 30 prior to immunization to ensure it isstable. Pertussis toxin was resuspended to a concentration of 2 μg/mL inPBS. MOG emulsion was administered to the left and right flank at 100 μLper site to each mouse. Pertussis toxin was administered byintraperitoneal injection (200 μL) on days 0 and 2 of the study to eachmouse. Mice were scored (0-4) daily for disease activity (coordination,gait, paralysis).

Results

The loss of LANCL3 resulting in accelerated disease onset and greaterpeak disease severity by comparison of LANCL3−/− to WT (FIG. 8 ).

Example 13. Immunological Screening In Vitro in CD4+ T CellsIntroduction

CD4+ T cells are central to the pathogenesis of many autoimmune diseasesand the amplification of inflammatory responses that can contribute toorgan damage. As such, the trafficking and differentiation of thesecells is an effective option for the amelioration of symptoms andprevention of flares in autoimmune disease. With the loss of LANCL3,CD4+ T cells produced greater amounts of inflammatory cytokines and havea higher likelihood of differentiating into effector subsets, such asTh17 and Th1.

Methods

Cell culture. Spleens were excised from C57BL/6 mice. Spleens werecrushed between the frosted ends of microscope slides and filtered toprovide a cellular suspension. Red blood cells were lysed throughhypotonic lysis. Remaining cells were washed and filtered. CD4+ T cellswere enriched within the suspension using magnetic sorting basednegative selection. Cells were collected and plated within 96 wellplates coated with anti-CD3/CD28 and cultured in the presence ofBT-108-1, BT-108-2, BT-108-6, BT-108-8, BT-108-12, and BT-108-15 at 0 or100 nanomolar for 24 h. During the last 6 h of culture, cells werestimulated with phorbol 12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA) and ionomycin.

Immunological analysis. Cells were collected from 96 well plates andstained with a cocktail of antibodies for immunophenotyping by flowcytometry. Culture supernatant was collected and assayed for cytokineconcentrations by cytometric bead array. Data was captured on a BD FACSCelesta and analyzed using FACSDiva.

Results

The six tested LANCL ligands all decreased production of TNFα (FIG. 9A)and IFNγ (FIG. 9B) in CD4+ T cell culture. BT-108-1, BT-108-12, andBT-108-15 were observed to have the largest magnitude of response inTNF+ and IFNγ+CD4+ T cells, providing a significant reduction at 100nanomolar relative to vehicle control. Similar profiles were observed inboth cytokines across the tested ligands.

Example 14. Use of BT-108-1 in a Model of Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitisand Diet-Induced Obesity Introduction

NASH is a progressive chronic liver disease that afflicts over 140million people worldwide with total health care costs exceeding $8billion annually in the US alone. No current therapeutics are approvedfor NASH. While a reversible condition, failure to effectively treatNASH results in higher risk of hepatocellular carcinoma, liver failureand cardiac death. With a multitude of hepatic and extrahepatic factors,NASH is a complex disease. Yet, many therapeutics in development fail toaddress all three main areas of dysregulation, comprised of metabolic,inflammatory, and fibrotic factors. NASH is a common comorbidity inobesity and type 2 diabetes. As such, many animal models usediet-induced obesity to result in glucose intolerance or impairedinsulin sensitivity.

Methods

WD-induced model. C57BL/6 mice were placed on a Western diet consistingof a high-fat diet with addition of 23.1 g/L d-fructose and 18.9 g/Ld-glucose to drinking water and weekly intraperitoneal injections of 0.2μL/g CCl₄ to induce steatohepatitis [11]. Matching groups on controldiet were included. Mice were treated daily, in a therapeutic mannerafter 8 weeks of diet. Treatment with BT-108-1 (5 mg/kg) or vehiclecontrol occurred by oral gavage. Dosage was calculated based off meanbody weights.

Analysis. Livers were excised and weighed. Sections of livers wereexcised and stored in buffered formalin for Sirius red staining or snapfrozen for assessment of triglycerides. Severity of fibrosis wasassessed by scoring of Sirius red stained liver.

Results

Oral BT-108-1 reduced body weight normalized liver weights (FIG. 10A),fibrotic scoring (FIG. 10B) and liver triglycerides (FIG. 10C) after 4weeks of treatment, suggesting the potential to improve liverinflammation and fibrosis in the context of NASH.

Example 15. Use of BT-108-1 in a NOD Mouse Model of T1D Introduction

Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune disease in which the immunesystem destroys insulin-producing pancreatic cells necessitatinglife-long insulin therapy through injections or pumps. With currenttreatments, glycemic control is difficult resulting in prolonged periodsof hyperglycemia and dysregulated glucose metabolism that contribute toorgan damage and co-morbidities (blindness, kidney failure,cardiovascular disease, loss of extremities). Currently no treatmentsare approved for the prevention of disease progression at onset (i.e.restoring immunological tolerance to diabetes-associated antigens toallow regrowth of pancreatic beta cells) and very few are approved toassist in glycemic control. LANCL2 is a potent receptor that contributesto immune responses, cellular metabolism, and survival of cells. Basedon observations in immunometabolic studies, parallel activation ofLANCL3 may have an enhanced effect.

Methods

NOD model. Non-obese diabetic (NOD) ShiLt mice were used in this study.NOD mice have numerous genetic mutations that enable the spontaneousonset of hyperglycemia and pancreatic pathologies associated with T1D.Mice entered into the experiment at 9 weeks of age and were monitoredfor a 12-week period. Mice were treated daily with vehicle or 10 mg/kgBT-108-1 by oral gavage. Once weekly blood samples were collected fromthe tail vein to be tested for glucose concentration by glucometer.

Results

Oral BT-108-1 resulted in lower fasting blood glucose levels throughoutthe treatment period (FIG. 11A). Similarly, a lower proportion of micetreated with BT-108-1 developed hyperglycemia by the end of the study incomparison to vehicle treated controls (FIG. 11B).

Example 16. Use of BT-108-1 in a Mouse Model of Rheumatoid ArthritisIntroduction

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) causes severe inflammation of joints leadingto loss of mobility and intense pain. The underlying immunology ofsynovial inflammation is complex involving the interplay of myeloidcells, T cells, fibroblasts, and other structural cells of the synovium.High expression of TNF and IL-6 are central to the pathogenesis of RA,with additional contributions by IL-1β, IL-12, IL-17, IL-21, IL-23,MCP1, and TGF-β. Together these cytokines can lead to leukocyticrecruitment, bone remodeling, pannus formation, oxidative stress andhyperplasia of the joint lining.

Methods

Models. Six-week-old C57Bl/6 mice were immunized with 200 μg of chickencollagen emulsified in complete Freund's adjuvant by intradermalinjections at the base of the tail. Mice were treated with 5 mg/kg ofBT-108-1 or vehicle, daily for four weeks.

Immunological analysis. Spleens were excised from mice. Tissues werecrushed and filtered to provide a cellular suspension. Red blood cellswere lysed. Cells were labeled with mixtures of extracellular (CD45,CD3, CD4, CD8, B220, CD19, CD138, CD21, CD24, CD1d, CD11b, CD86, CD80)and intracellular (BCL6, IL21, IL10, TNF) antibodies in a sequentiallive staining in 96-well plates in preparation for flow cytometry. Datawas captured on a BD FACS Celesta and analyzed using FACSDiva.

Results

Oral BT-108-1 significantly reduced the proportion of TNF+ immune cells(FIG. 12A) and IL-17+CD4+ T cells (FIG. 12B) in the spleens of mice withcollagen induced arthritis in comparison to vehicle treated controls.

Example 17. Use of BT-108-1 in a Model of Psoriasis Introduction

Psoriasis (PsO) afflicts over 7 million people in the United States and15 million worldwide, with over 95 million worldwide afflicted byinflammatory skin diseases, inclusive of PsO, atopic dermatitis androsacea. The resultant itchiness, effects on appearance, and persistentrashes have a significant impact on quality of life. In psoriasis, themost successful therapies have targeted Th17 cells and the IL-17/IL-23axis. As such, demonstrating the ability of novel therapeutics to impactthe differentiation of these cells, in vivo, is a critical mechanisticfinding. Importantly, impacting Th17/Treg plasticity may indicate amechanistic avenue for the maintenance of clinical responses byestablishing a tolerogenic environment. Meanwhile Th17 cells arebelieved to be the most responsive to metabolic manipulation, suggestinga susceptibility to the immunometabolic effects of the LANCL pathways.

Methods

IMQ-induced model. C57BL/6 mice were anesthetized, shaved, and brieflyexposed to depilatory cream on the surface of the back. Mice were giventhree days to recover from the procedure prior to entry to the study.After 3 days, mice were challenged with approximately 60 mg of 0.5%imiquimod cream daily by spreading cream over the shaved area. Mice werescored daily for erythema, scaling and skin thickness. Treatment withBT-108-1 (10 mg/kg) or vehicle control occurred by oral gavage. Dosagewas calculated based off mean body weights.

Analysis. Spleens were excised and crushed by microscope slides. Redblood cells were hypotonically lysed from the resultant suspension.Samples were filtered, washed and centrifuged prior to staining. Th1(Tbet+ IFNγ+), Th17 (RORγT+IL17+), Treg (CD25+FOXP3+IL10+) and Tfh(BCL6+IL21+) were quantified from CD3+CD4+ T cells by flow cytometry.

Results

Oral BT-108-1 reduced severity of disease (FIG. 13A). Immunologically,BT-108-1 reduced Th17 cells in the spleen (FIG. 13B), suggesting thepotential to improve psoriasis associated inflammation.

Example 18. Use of BT-108-1 in an Acute Model of IBD Introduction

Inflammatory bowel disease is a multifactorial disease with many diseaseprocesses initiated by actions or dysfunction of the epithelial barrier[12]. A prominent and accepted animal model of the disease is induced bythe administration of dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) in the drinking waterof mice. Intake of DSS acts to disrupt and destroy the epithelialbarrier in the distal gastrointestinal tract, in particular the colon.The disruption of the epithelial barrier allows for infiltration of themicrobiome in the colonic mucosa and the ensuing recruitment andactivation of immune cells. While CD4+ T cells are a major focus ofdevelopment of therapeutics for IBD, recruitment of neutrophils in theintestinal lamina propria of IBD patients is one of the most predictivemarkers of response to treatment histologically. Loss of LANCL3 resultsin worsened disease severity.

Methods

DSS model. Mice were given DSS in drinking water for seven days toinduce disruption of the epithelial layer. At project initiation, micewere 8 weeks of age and began dosing 24 hours after being placed on DSS.BT-108-1 was prepared within a 0.5% methylcellulose (12-15 cP) solution.Dosage used was 10 mg/kg delivered once daily. Dosage was calculatedbased off mean body weights for each gender. Oral dosage was deliveredby orogastric gavage of dosage in 0.2 mL volume.

Flow Cytometry. Colons were collected into RPMI/FBS buffer containingcollagenase (300 U/mL) and DNase (50 U/mL) for digestion. Tissues weredigested for 60 minutes under stirring at 37° C. Resultant cellularsuspensions were filtered through 100 μm strainers, centrifuged (300× g,8 min), and washed in fresh RPMI. Following filtration of the resultingsingle cell suspensions, immune cells were purified by Percoll gradientof cell-containing 40% Percoll overlayed onto 70% Percoll solution.After centrifugation, interphase was collected and washed to obtainenriched colonic lamina propria cell fractions. Cells were labeled withmixtures of extracellular (CD45, CD3, CD4, CD8, CD19, NK1.1, F4/80,CD11b, Gr1) antibodies in a sequential live staining in 96-well plates.Data was acquired using a FACS Celesta flow cytometer with FACSDivasoftware.

Histopathology. Colonic tissues were fixed in 10% formalin, paraffinembedded, and H&E stained. Sections were examined using an Olympusmicroscope. Histological score was assessed through a composite scoringsystem of leukocytic infiltration, epithelial erosion, and mucosalthickness.

Results

Oral BT-108-1 treatment decreased the histopathology score in mice withDSS colitis relative to vehicle treated controls (FIG. 14A).Immunologically, BT-108-1 decreased the presence of neutrophils (FIG.14B) and Th17 cells (FIG. 14C) in the colonic lamina propria.

Example 19. Use of BT-108-1 in a Genetic Mouse Model of SLE Introduction

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a systemic autoimmune disease thatcan cause damage to kidneys, cardiovasculature, and joints. SLE is aresult of a complex interaction of genetic factors that results inimmunological disease manifested primarily through a generation ofauto-antibodies. One preclinical model aimed at captured these complexfactors is the NZB/W F1 model. The F1 cross of NZB and NZW mice resultsin mice with autoimmunity of progressive severity. This autoimmunityshares many common features with human SLE including the generation ofanti-nuclear antibodies, kidney damage and elevated type I interferonresponses.

Methods

NZB/W F1 model. Twenty-four-week-old, female NZB/W F1 mice will berandomized into vehicle or BT-108-1 treated arms based on baseline urineprotein levels. BT-108-1 will be administered daily at 10 mg/kg for 12weeks. Mice will be weighed on a weekly basis to update dosageformulation. Dosage will be calculated based off mean body weights.

Immunological analysis. Urine will be collected for assay for proteincontent to test for kidney function at baseline, 6, and 12 weeks oftreatment. Spleens will be excised, crushed and filtered to provide acellular suspension. Red blood cells will be lysed. Cells will belabeled with mixtures of extracellular and intracellular antibodies in asequential live staining in 96-well plates in preparation for flowcytometry. Data was captured on a BD FACS Celesta and analyzed usingFACSDiva.

Results

Oral BT-108-1 is expected to protect mice from the worsening ofproteinuria grade. At 12 weeks of treatment, BT-108-1 treated mice wouldbe expected to have a slight improvement of proteinuria relative tobaseline on average. In comparison, vehicle treated mice would beexpected to experience an approximate tripling of baseline levels. Inthe spleen, BT-108-1 treated mice would be expected to present withdecreased proportions of CD4+IL17+ and CD4+IL21+ T cells relative tovehicle treated mice.

Example 20. Use of BT-108-1 in a Model of Experimental AutoimmuneEncephalomyelitis Introduction

MS afflicts over 700,000 people in the United States and 2.2 millionworldwide. This widespread and debilitating illness results in decreasedquality of life, with over 1.1 million DALYs, and significant healthcarerelated costs, over $28 billion yearly in the US. Despite advances andnew therapies, no evidence of disease activity (NEDA) rates are 30-40%,yearly relapse rates for MS are still 30%, with only minimal effects onthe progression of disease and time to disability. The pathogenesis ofMS is thought to involve pathogenic Th17 cells, which are increased inthe absence of LANCL3 and LANCL2. Loss of LANCL3 has been shown toincrease disease severity in MS.

Methods

Mouse model. C57BL6 mice will be challenged at 6- to 8-weeks of age withMOG immunization. Complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) will be prepared bysuspension of heat-killed Mycobacterium tuberculosis (H37RA) at 10 mg/mLin incomplete Freund's adjuvant. MOG35-55 will be resuspended in sterilenanopure water to a concentration of 2 mg/mL. CFA and MOG35-55 solutionwill be emulsified in a 1:1 ratio using glass syringes and a near-closedthree-way valve for 10 minutes. Emulsion will be left to sit for 30prior to immunization to ensure it is stable. Pertussis toxin will beresuspended to a concentration of 2 μg/mL in PBS. MOG emulsion will beadministered to the left and right flank at 100 μL per site to eachmouse. Pertussis toxin will be administered by intraperitoneal injection(200 μL) on days 0 and 2 of the study to each mouse. Mice will betreated daily with BT-108-1 at 20 mg/kg. Treatment will be delivered byoral gavage. Mice will be scored (0-4) daily for disease activity(coordination, gait, paralysis).

Gene expression. Total RNA from spinal cord will be generated using theQiagen RNeasy mini kit. cDNA will be generated using the BioRad iScriptcDNA synthesis kit. Standard curves will be generated by serial dilutionof purified product from a standard PCR reaction with Taq DNA polymerasefollowed by purification using the Qiagen MinElute PCR purification kit.Expression levels will be obtained from quantitative real-time PCR withSybrGreen supermix on a BioRad CFX96 Thermal cycler followed bynormalization to expression of β-actin. Gene expression will be measuredfor inflammatory cytokines, IL-17, and TNF.

Results

Oral BT-108-1 is expected to decrease the disease activity scores of EAEmice relative to vehicle treated controls. BT-108-1 treated mice wouldbe expected to have lower expression of IL17 and TNF in spinal cordsamples relative to vehicle treatment.

REFERENCES

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EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

1. A compound of Formula (I):

or a salt or ester thereof, wherein:

A¹ and A⁶ are each C;

A², A³, A⁴, A⁵, A⁷, A⁸, A⁹, A¹⁰, A¹¹, A¹², A¹³, A²⁰, A²¹, A²², A²³, andA²⁴ are each independently N or C(R²);

A¹⁴ and A¹⁵ are each C(O) or N(R^(L)), with the proviso that A¹⁴ and A¹⁵are not both C(O) and are not both N(R^(L));

A¹⁶, A¹⁷, A¹⁸, and A¹⁹ are each independently O, N(R²), S, N, and C(R²),with the proviso that one and only one of A¹⁶, A¹⁷, A¹⁸, and A¹⁹ is O,N(R²), or S;

represents delocalized pi bonds;

R¹, R², and R^(L) in each instance are independently hydrogen, halogen,optionally substituted alkyl, optionally substituted alkenyl, optionallysubstituted alkynyl, optionally substituted cycloalkyl, optionallysubstituted cycloalkenyl, hydroxyl, carboxyl, optionally substitutedalkyloxy, optionally substituted alkenyloxy, optionally substitutedalkynyloxy, optionally substituted cycloalkyloxy, optionally substitutedcycloalkenyloxy, thiol, optionally substituted alkylthio, optionallysubstituted alkenylthio, optionally substituted alkynylthio, optionallysubstituted alkylsulfinyl, optionally substituted alkylsulfonyl,optionally substituted alkylsulfonyloxy, optionally substitutedcycloalkylthio, optionally substituted cycloalkylsulfinyl, optionallysubstituted cycloalkylsulfonyl, optionally substitutedcycloalkylsulfonyloxy, optionally substituted cycloalkenylthio,optionally substituted cycloalkenylsulfinyl, optionally substitutedcycloalkenylsulfonyl, optionally substituted cycloalkenylsulfonyloxy,optionally substituted amino, acyl, optionally substitutedalkyloxycarbonyl, optionally substituted alkenyloxycarbonyl, optionallysubstituted alkynyloxycarbonyl, optionally substituted aryloxycarbonyl,optionally substituted carbamoyl, optionally substituted sulfamoyl,cyano, nitro, optionally substituted aryl, optionally substitutedaryloxy, optionally substituted arylthio, optionally substitutedarylsulfinyl, optionally substituted arylsulfonyl, optionallysubstituted arylsulfonyloxy, optionally substituted heteroaryl,optionally substituted heteroaryloxy, optionally substitutedheteroarylthio, optionally substituted heteroarylsulfinyl, optionallysubstituted heteroarylsulfonyl, optionally substitutedheteroarylsulfonyloxy, or an optionally substituted non-aromaticheterocyclic group.

2. The compound of embodiment 1, wherein A² is C(R²).

3. The compound of embodiment 2, wherein the R² of the C(R²) of A² ishydrogen or halogen.

4. The compound of embodiment 1, wherein A² is N.

5. The compound of any prior embodiment, wherein A³ is C(R²).

6. The compound of embodiment 5, wherein the R² of the C(R²) of A³ ishydrogen or halogen.

7. The compound of embodiment 5, wherein the R² of the C(R²) of A³ isnot hydrogen.

8. The compound of embodiment 5, wherein the R² of the C(R²) of A³ isoptionally substituted alkyl, optionally substituted alkyloxy, carboxyl,or optionally substituted alkyloxycarbonyl.

9. The compound of embodiment 5, wherein the R² of the C(R²) of A³ isC1-C6 unsubstituted alkyl, trifluoromethyl, unsubstituted C1-C4alkyloxy, carboxyl, or unsubstituted C1-C4 alkyloxycarbonyl.

10. The compound of any prior embodiment, wherein A⁴ is C(R²).

11. The compound of embodiment 10, wherein the R² of the C(R²) of A⁴ ishydrogen or halogen.

12. The compound of any prior embodiment, wherein A⁵ is C(R²).

13. The compound of embodiment 12, wherein the R² of the C(R²) of A⁵ ishydrogen or halogen.

14. The compound of any prior embodiment, wherein A⁷ is C(R²).

15. The compound of embodiment 14, wherein the R² of the C(R²) of A⁷ ishydrogen or halogen.

16. The compound of any one of embodiments 1-13, wherein A⁷ is N.

17. The compound of any prior embodiment, wherein A⁸ is N.

18. The compound of any prior embodiment, wherein A⁹ is C(R²).

19. The compound of embodiment 18, wherein the R² of the C(R²) of A⁹ ishydrogen or halogen.

20. The compound of embodiment 18, wherein the R² of the C(R²) of A⁹ isnot hydrogen.

21. The compound of embodiment 18, wherein the R² of the C(R²) of A⁹ isoptionally substituted alkyl, optionally substituted alkyloxy, carboxyl,or optionally substituted alkyloxycarbonyl.

22. The compound of embodiment 18, wherein the R² of the C(R²) of A⁹ isC1-C6 unsubstituted alkyl, trifluoromethyl, unsubstituted C1-C4alkyloxy, carboxyl, or unsubstituted C1-C4 alkyloxycarbonyl.

23. The compound of any prior embodiment, wherein A¹⁰ is C(R²).

24. The compound of embodiment 23, wherein the R² of the C(R²) of A¹⁰ ishydrogen or halogen.

25. The compound of embodiment 23, wherein the R² of the C(R²) of A¹⁰ isnot hydrogen.

26. The compound of embodiment 23, wherein the R² of the C(R²) of A¹⁰ isoptionally substituted alkyl, optionally substituted alkyloxy, carboxyl,or optionally substituted alkyloxycarbonyl.

27. The compound of embodiment 23, wherein the R² of the C(R²) of A¹⁰ isC1-C6 unsubstituted alkyl, trifluoromethyl, unsubstituted C1-C4alkyloxy, carboxyl, or unsubstituted C1-C4 alkyloxycarbonyl.

28. The compound of any prior embodiment, wherein A¹¹ is C(R²).

29. The compound of embodiment 28, wherein the R² of the C(R²) of A¹¹ ishydrogen or halogen.

30. The compound of embodiment 28, wherein the R² of the C(R²) of A¹¹ isnot hydrogen.

31. The compound of embodiment 28, wherein the R² of the C(R²) of A¹¹ isoptionally substituted alkyl, optionally substituted alkyloxy, carboxyl,or optionally substituted alkyloxycarbonyl.

32. The compound of embodiment 28, wherein the R² of the C(R²) of A¹¹ isC1-C6 unsubstituted alkyl, trifluoromethyl, unsubstituted C1-C4alkyloxy, carboxyl, or unsubstituted C1-C4 alkyloxycarbonyl.

33. The compound of any one of embodiments 1-27, wherein A¹¹ is N.

34. The compound of any prior embodiment, wherein A¹² is C(R²).

35. The compound of embodiment 34, wherein the R² of the C(R²) of A¹² ishydrogen or halogen.

36. The compound of embodiment 34, wherein the R² of the C(R²) of A¹² isnot hydrogen.

37. The compound of embodiment 34, wherein the R² of the C(R²) of A¹² isoptionally substituted alkyl, optionally substituted alkyloxy, carboxyl,or optionally substituted alkyloxycarbonyl.

38. The compound of embodiment 34, wherein the R² of the C(R²) of A¹² isC1-C6 unsubstituted alkyl, trifluoromethyl, unsubstituted C1-C4alkyloxy, carboxyl, or unsubstituted C1-C4 alkyloxycarbonyl.

39. The compound of any prior embodiment, wherein A¹³ is C(R²).

40. The compound of embodiment 39, wherein the R² of the C(R²) of A¹³ ishydrogen or halogen.

41. The compound of embodiment 39, wherein the R² of the C(R²) of A¹³ isnot hydrogen.

42. The compound of embodiment 39, wherein the R² of the C(R²) of A¹³ isoptionally substituted alkyl, optionally substituted alkyloxy, carboxyl,or optionally substituted alkyloxycarbonyl.

43. The compound of embodiment 39, wherein the R² of the C(R²) of A³ isC1-C6 unsubstituted alkyl, trifluoromethyl, unsubstituted C1-C4alkyloxy, carboxyl, or unsubstituted C1-C4 alkyloxycarbonyl.

44. The compound of any one of embodiments 1-38, wherein A¹³ is N.

45. The compound of any prior embodiment, wherein A¹⁴ is N(R^(L)) andA¹¹ is C(O).

46. The compound of any one of embodiments 1-44, wherein A¹⁴ is C(O) andA¹⁵ is N(R^(L)).

47. The compound of any prior embodiment, wherein R^(L) is hydrogen orhalogen.

48. The compound of any prior embodiment, wherein A¹⁷ is N.

49. The compound of any prior embodiment, wherein A¹⁶ is C(R²).

50. The compound of embodiment 49, wherein the R² of the C(R²) of A¹⁶ ishydrogen or halogen.

51. The compound of any prior embodiment, wherein A¹⁹ is C(R²).

52. The compound of embodiment 51, wherein the R² of the C(R²) of A¹⁹ ishydrogen or halogen.

53. The compound of any prior embodiment, wherein A¹⁸ is N(R²).

54. The compound of embodiment 53, wherein the R² of the N(R²) of A¹⁸ ishydrogen or halogen.

55. The compound of any prior embodiment, wherein A²⁰ is C(R²).

56. The compound of embodiment 55, wherein the R² of the C(R²) of A²⁰ ishydrogen or halogen.

57. The compound of embodiment 55, wherein the R² of the C(R²) of A²⁰ isnot hydrogen.

58. The compound of embodiment 55, wherein the R² of the C(R²) of A²⁰ isoptionally substituted alkyl, optionally substituted alkyloxy, carboxyl,or optionally substituted alkyloxycarbonyl.

59. The compound of embodiment 55, wherein the R² of the C(R²) of A²⁰ isC1-C6 unsubstituted alkyl, trifluoromethyl, unsubstituted C1-C4alkyloxy, carboxyl, or unsubstituted C1-C4 alkyloxycarbonyl.

60. The compound of any one of embodiments 1-54, wherein A²⁰ is N.

61. The compound of any prior embodiment, wherein A²¹ is C(R²).

62. The compound of embodiment 61, wherein the R² of the C(R²) of A²¹ ishydrogen or halogen.

63. The compound of embodiment 61, wherein the R² of the C(R²) of A²¹ isnot hydrogen.

64. The compound of embodiment 61, wherein the R² of the C(R²) of A²¹ isoptionally substituted alkyl, optionally substituted alkyloxy, carboxyl,or optionally substituted alkyloxycarbonyl.

65. The compound of embodiment 61, wherein the R² of the C(R²) of A²¹ isC1-C6 unsubstituted alkyl, trifluoromethyl, unsubstituted C1-C4alkyloxy, carboxyl, or unsubstituted C1-C4 alkyloxycarbonyl.

66. The compound of any one of embodiments 1-60, wherein A²¹ is N.

67. The compound of any prior embodiment, wherein A²² is C(R²).

68. The compound of embodiment 67, wherein the R² of the C(R²) of A²² ishydrogen or halogen.

69. The compound of embodiment 67, wherein the R² of the C(R²) of A²² isnot hydrogen.

70. The compound of embodiment 67, wherein the R² of the C(R²) of A²² isoptionally substituted alkyl, optionally substituted alkyloxy, carboxyl,or optionally substituted alkyloxycarbonyl.

71. The compound of embodiment 67, wherein the R² of the C(R²) of A²² isC1-C6 unsubstituted alkyl, trifluoromethyl, unsubstituted C1-C4alkyloxy, carboxyl, or unsubstituted C1-C4 alkyloxycarbonyl.

72. The compound of any one of embodiments 1-66, wherein A²² is N.

73. The compound of any prior embodiment, wherein A²³ is C(R²).

74. The compound of embodiment 73, wherein the R² of the C(R²) of A²³ ishydrogen or halogen.

75. The compound of embodiment 73, wherein the R² of the C(R²) of A²³ isnot hydrogen.

76. The compound of embodiment 73, wherein the R² of the C(R²) of A²³ isoptionally substituted alkyl, optionally substituted alkyloxy, carboxyl,or optionally substituted alkyloxycarbonyl.

77. The compound of embodiment 73, wherein the R² of the C(R²) of A²³ isC1-C6 unsubstituted alkyl, trifluoromethyl, unsubstituted C1-C4alkyloxy, carboxyl, or unsubstituted C1-C4 alkyloxycarbonyl.

78. The compound of any one of embodiments 1-72, wherein A²³ is N.

79. The compound of any prior embodiment, wherein A²⁴ is C(R²).

80. The compound of embodiment 79, wherein the R² of the C(R²) of A²⁴ ishydrogen or halogen.

81. The compound of embodiment 79, wherein the R² of the C(R²) of A²⁴ isnot hydrogen.

82. The compound of embodiment 79, wherein the R² of the C(R²) of A²⁴ isoptionally substituted alkyl, optionally substituted alkyloxy, carboxyl,or optionally substituted alkyloxycarbonyl.

83. The compound of embodiment 79, wherein the R² of the C(R²) of A²⁴ isC1-C6 unsubstituted alkyl, trifluoromethyl, unsubstituted C1-C4alkyloxy, carboxyl, or unsubstituted C1-C4 alkyloxycarbonyl.

84. The compound of any one of embodiments 1-78, wherein A²⁴ is N.

85. The compound of any prior embodiment, wherein R¹ is not hydrogen.

86. The compound of any prior embodiment, wherein R¹ is hydroxyl oroptionally substituted alkyloxy.

87. The compound of any prior embodiment, wherein R¹ is hydroxyl orunsubstituted C1-C4 alkyloxy.

88. The compound of embodiment 1, wherein: A² is C(R²); A³ is C(R²); A⁴is C(R²); A⁵ is C(R²); A⁷ is N; A⁸ is N; and A⁹ is C(R²).

89. The compound of embodiment 88, wherein the R² on the C(R²) of A³ isoptionally substituted alkyl, optionally substituted alkyloxy, carboxyl,or optionally substituted alkyloxycarbonyl.

90. The compound of embodiment 88, wherein the R² on the C(R²) of A³ isoptionally substituted alkyl.

91. The compound of embodiment 88, wherein the R² on the C(R²) of A³ istrifluoromethyl.

92. The compound of any one of embodiments 1 and 88-91, wherein: A¹⁰ isC(R²); A¹¹ is N; A¹² is C(R²); and A¹³ is C(R²).

93. The compound of embodiment 92, wherein the R² on the C(R²) of A¹⁰ isoptionally substituted alkyl, optionally substituted alkyloxy, carboxyl,or optionally substituted alkyloxycarbonyl.

94. The compound of embodiment 92, wherein the R² on the C(R²) of A¹⁰ isoptionally substituted alkyloxy.

95. The compound of embodiment 92, wherein the R² on the C(R²) of A¹³ isoptionally substituted alkyl, optionally substituted alkyloxy, carboxyl,or optionally substituted alkyloxycarbonyl.

96. The compound of embodiment 92, wherein the R² on the C(R²) of A¹³ isoptionally substituted alkyl.

97. The compound of any one of embodiments 1 and 88-96, wherein A¹⁴ isN(R^(L)) and A¹⁵ is C(O).

98. The compound of embodiment 97, wherein R^(L) is hydrogen or halogen.

99. The compound of any one of embodiments 1 and 87-98, wherein: A¹⁶ isC(R²) A¹⁷ is N; A¹⁸ is N(R²); and A¹⁹ is C(R²).

100. The compound of any one of embodiments 1 and 88-99, wherein each ofA²⁰, A²¹, A²², A²³, and A²⁴ is independently C(R²).

101. The compound of embodiment 100, wherein the R² on the C(R²) of A²⁴is optionally substituted alkyl, optionally substituted alkyloxy,carboxyl, or optionally substituted alkyloxycarbonyl.

102. The compound of embodiment 100, wherein the R² on the C(R²) of A²⁴is optionally substituted alkyl.

103. The compound of embodiment 100, wherein the R² on the C(R²) of A²¹is optionally substituted alkyl, optionally substituted alkyloxy,carboxyl, or optionally substituted alkyloxycarbonyl.

104. The compound of embodiment 100, wherein the R² on the C(R²) of A²¹is optionally substituted alkyloxy.

105. The compound of any one of embodiments 1 and 88-104, wherein the R¹is hydroxyl or optionally substituted alkyloxy.

106. The compound of any one of embodiments 1 and 88-105, wherein the R¹is hydroxyl or unsubstituted C1-C4 alkyloxy.

107. The compound of any prior embodiment, wherein R¹, R², and R^(L) ineach instance are independently, unless otherwise defined, hydrogen,halogen, optionally substituted C1-C6 alkyl, hydroxyl, carboxyl,optionally substituted cycloalkyl, optionally substituted C1-C6alkyloxy, optionally substituted amino, acyl, optionally substitutedalkyloxycarbonyl, optionally substituted aryl, optionally substitutedheteroaryl, or optionally substituted non-aromatic heterocyclic group.

108. The compound of any prior embodiment, wherein R¹, R², and R^(L) ineach instance are independently, unless otherwise defined, hydrogen,halogen, unsubstituted C1-C6 alkyl, hydroxyl, carboxyl, unsubstitutedcycloalkyl, unsubstituted C1-C6 alkyloxy, unsubstituted amino, acyl,unsubstituted alkyloxycarbonyl, unsubstituted aryl, unsubstitutedheteroaryl, or unsubstituted non-aromatic heterocyclic group.

109. The compound of any prior embodiment, wherein R¹, R², and R^(L) ineach instance are independently, unless otherwise defined, hydrogen orhalogen.

110. The compound of embodiment 1, wherein the compound is any one ofthe compounds shown in FIGS. 1A-1N, or a salt thereof.

111. A method of treating a condition in an animal with a compound asrecited in any one of embodiments 1-110, the method comprisingadministering an effective amount of the compound to the animal, whereinthe condition comprises at least one of an inflammatory disease, ametabolic disease, an autoimmune disease, cancer, and an infectiousdisease.

112. The method of 111, wherein the condition comprises an autoimmunedisease.

113. The method of embodiment 112, wherein the autoimmune diseasecomprises inflammatory bowel disease.

114. The method of embodiment 113, wherein the inflammatory boweldisease comprises Crohn's disease.

115. The method of embodiment 113, wherein the inflammatory boweldisease comprises ulcerative colitis.

116. The method of embodiment 112, wherein the autoimmune diseasecomprises at least one of systemic lupus erythematosus, lupus nephritis,and cutaneous lupus.

117. The method of embodiment 112, wherein the autoimmune diseasecomprises rheumatoid arthritis.

118. The method of embodiment 112, wherein the autoimmune diseasecomprises type 1 diabetes.

119. The method of embodiment 112, wherein the autoimmune diseasecomprises psoriasis.

120. The method of embodiment 111, wherein the condition comprises ametabolic disease.

121. The method of embodiment 120, wherein metabolic the diseasecomprises at least one of prediabetes and type 2 diabetes.

122. The method of embodiment 111, wherein the condition comprises aninflammatory disease.

123. The method of embodiment 122, wherein the inflammatory diseasecomprises at least one of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, nonalcoholicsteatohepatitis, and cirrhosis.

124. The method of embodiment 111, wherein the condition comprises aninfectious disease.

125. The method of embodiment 124, wherein the infectious diseasecomprises viral infection.

126. A method of treating a condition in an animal with a compound thatbinds LANCL3 or LANCL3 and LANCL2, wherein the condition comprises atleast one of an inflammatory disease, a metabolic disease, an autoimmunedisease, cancer, and an infectious disease.

127. The method of embodiment 126, wherein the compound is a compound asrecited in any one of embodiments 1-110.

128. The method of embodiment 126, wherein the method comprises a methodas recited in any one of embodiments 111-125.

We claim:
 1. A compound of Formula (I):

or a salt or ester thereof, wherein: A¹ and A⁶ are each C; A⁸ is N; A¹¹and A¹³ are each independently N or C(R²), with the proviso that atleast one of A¹¹ and A¹³ is N; A¹⁴ and A¹⁵ are each C(O) or N(R^(L)),with the proviso that A¹⁴ and A¹⁵ are not both C(O) and are not bothN(R^(L)); A¹⁶, A¹⁷, A¹⁸, and A¹⁹ are each independently O, N(R²), S, N,and C(R²), with the provisos that: A¹⁷ is N, A¹⁸ is N(R²), or A¹⁷ is Nand A¹⁸ is N(R²); and one and only one of A¹⁶, A¹⁷, A¹⁸, and A¹⁹ is O,N(R²), or S; A², A³, A⁴, A⁵, A⁷, A⁹, A¹⁰, A¹², A²⁰, A²¹, A²², A²³, andA²⁴ are each independently N or C(R²);

represents delocalized pi bonds; R¹ is hydroxyl or optionallysubstituted alkyloxy; R² and R^(L) in each instance are independentlyhydrogen, halogen, optionally substituted alkyl, optionally substitutedalkenyl, optionally substituted alkynyl, optionally substitutedcycloalkyl, optionally substituted cycloalkenyl, hydroxyl, carboxyl,optionally substituted alkyloxy, optionally substituted alkenyloxy,optionally substituted alkynyloxy, optionally substituted cycloalkyloxy,optionally substituted cycloalkenyloxy, thiol, optionally substitutedalkylthio, optionally substituted alkenylthio, optionally substitutedalkynylthio, optionally substituted alkylsulfinyl, optionallysubstituted alkylsulfonyl, optionally substituted alkylsulfonyloxy,optionally substituted cycloalkylthio, optionally substitutedcycloalkylsulfinyl, optionally substituted cycloalkylsulfonyl,optionally substituted cycloalkylsulfonyloxy, optionally substitutedcycloalkenylthio, optionally substituted cycloalkenylsulfinyl,optionally substituted cycloalkenylsulfonyl, optionally substitutedcycloalkenylsulfonyloxy, optionally substituted amino, acyl, optionallysubstituted alkyloxycarbonyl, optionally substituted alkenyloxycarbonyl,optionally substituted alkynyloxycarbonyl, optionally substitutedaryloxycarbonyl, optionally substituted carbamoyl, optionallysubstituted sulfamoyl, cyano, nitro, optionally substituted aryl,optionally substituted aryloxy, optionally substituted arylthio,optionally substituted arylsulfinyl, optionally substitutedarylsulfonyl, optionally substituted arylsulfonyloxy, optionallysubstituted heteroaryl, optionally substituted heteroaryloxy, optionallysubstituted heteroarylthio, optionally substituted heteroarylsulfinyl,optionally substituted heteroarylsulfonyl, optionally substitutedheteroarylsulfonyloxy, or an optionally substituted non-aromaticheterocyclic group.
 2. The compound of claim 1, wherein: A² is N; A⁷ isN; or A² and A⁷ are each N.
 3. The compound of claim 1, wherein A⁴, A⁵,and A⁹ are each C(R²).
 4. The compound of claim 3, wherein: A² is N; A⁷is N; or A² and A⁷ are each N.
 5. The compound of claim 4, wherein theR² of the C(R²) of each of A², A⁴, A⁵, and A⁷, if present, is hydrogen.6. The compound of claim 5, wherein: A³ is C(R²); and the R² of theC(R²) of A³ is optionally substituted alkyl, optionally substitutedalkyloxy, carboxyl, or optionally substituted alkyloxycarbonyl.
 7. Thecompound of claim 1, wherein A¹⁰ and A¹² are each C(R²).
 8. The compoundof claim 7, wherein the R² of each of A¹⁰ and A¹² is hydrogen.
 9. Thecompound of claim 1, wherein one or both of A¹⁶ and A¹⁹ is C(R²). 10.The compound of claim 9, wherein R² of each of A¹⁶, A¹⁷, A¹⁸, and A¹⁹,if present, is hydrogen.
 11. The compound of claim 1, wherein A²¹, A²²,A²³, and A²⁴ are each independently C(R²).
 12. The compound of claim 11,wherein the R² of the C(R²) of A²² is hydrogen.
 13. The compound ofclaim 11, wherein the R² of the C(R²) of each of A²⁰, A²¹, A²², A²³, andA²⁴, if present, is hydrogen.
 14. The compound of claim 13, wherein A²⁰is C(R²).
 15. The compound of claim 11, wherein the R² of the C(R²) ofeach of A²⁰, A²², and A²³, if present, is hydrogen.
 16. The compound ofclaim 15, wherein: A²⁰ is C(R²); the R² of the C(R²) of A²¹ is hydrogen;and the R² of the C(R²) of A²⁴ is optionally substituted alkyl oroptionally substituted alkyloxy.
 17. The compound of claim 15, wherein:A²⁰ is C(R²); the R² of the C(R²) of A²⁴ is hydrogen; and the R² of theC(R²) of A²¹ is optionally substituted alkyl or optionally substitutedalkyloxy.
 18. The compound of claim 1, wherein R² and R^(L) in eachinstance are independently hydrogen, halogen, unsubstituted alkyl,halogen-substituted alkyl, unsubstituted alkyloxy, halogen-substitutedalkyloxy, carboxyl, unsubstituted alkyloxycarbonyl, orhalogen-substituted alkyloxycarbonyl.
 19. The compound of claim 1,wherein the R² of the C(R²) of each of A², A⁴, A⁵, A⁷, A¹⁶, A¹⁷, A¹⁸,A¹⁹, and A²², if present, is hydrogen.
 20. The compound of claim 1,wherein: A⁴, A⁵, A⁹, A¹⁰, A¹², A²¹, A²², A²³, and A²⁴ are each C(R²);and one or both of A¹⁶ and A¹⁹ is C(R²).
 21. The compound of claim 20,wherein R² and R^(L) in each instance are independently hydrogen,halogen, unsubstituted alkyl, halogen-substituted alkyl, unsubstitutedalkyloxy, halogen-substituted alkyloxy, carboxyl, unsubstitutedalkyloxycarbonyl, or halogen-substituted alkyloxycarbonyl.
 22. Thecompound of claim 20, wherein R² and R^(L) in each instance areindependently hydrogen, halogen, hydrogen, unsubstituted alkyl,halogen-substituted alkyl, unsubstituted alkyloxy, orhalogen-substituted alkyloxy.
 23. The compound of claim 22, wherein R¹is hydroxyl or unsubstituted alkyloxy.
 24. The compound of claim 23,wherein R^(L) and the R² of the C(R²) of each of A², A⁴, A⁵, A⁷, A¹⁶,A¹⁷, A¹⁸, A¹⁹, and A²², if present, are each hydrogen.
 25. The compoundof claim 23, wherein: A⁷ and A¹¹ are N; A², A³, A¹³, and A²⁰ are eachC(R²); and R^(L) and the R² of the C(R²) of each of A², A⁴, A⁵, A⁹, A¹⁶,A¹⁷, A¹⁸, A¹⁹, A²⁰, A²², and A²³, if present, are each hydrogen.
 26. Thecompound of claim 1, wherein the compound is any one of BT-108-1,BT-108-2, BT-108-3, BT-108-4, BT-108-5, BT-108-6, BT-108-7, BT-108-8,BT-108-9, BT-108-10, BT-108-11, BT-108-12, BT-108-13, BT-108-14,BT-108-15, BT-108-16, BT-108-17, BT-108-18, BT-108-19, BT-108-20,BT-108-21, BT-108-22, BT-108-23, BT-108-24, BT-108-25, BT-108-26,BT-108-27, BT-108-28, BT-108-29, BT-108-30, BT-108-31, BT-108-32,BT-108-33, BT-108-34, BT-108-35, BT-108-36, BT-108-37, BT-108-38,BT-108-39, BT-108-40, BT-108-41, BT-108-42, BT-108-43, BT-108-44,BT-108-45, BT-108-46, BT-108-47, BT-108-48, BT-108-49, BT-108-50,BT-108-51, BT-108-52, BT-108-53, BT-108-54, BT-108-55, BT-108-56,BT-108-57, BT-108-58, BT-108-59, BT-108-60, BT-108-61, BT-108-62,BT-108-63, BT-108-64, BT-108-65, BT-108-66, BT-108-67, BT-108-68,BT-108-69, BT-108-70, or a salt of any of the foregoing.
 27. Thecompound of claim 1, wherein the compound is any one of:

or a salt of any of the foregoing.
 28. A method of treating a conditionin an animal with a compound as recited in claim 1, the methodcomprising administering an effective amount of the compound to theanimal, wherein the condition comprises at least one of an inflammatorydisease, a metabolic disease, and an autoimmune disease.
 29. The methodof 28, wherein the condition comprises at least one of an inflammatorycondition of the liver, an inflammatory condition of the bile duct,inflammatory bowel disease, lupus, arthritis, hyperglycemia, psoriasis,and multiple sclerosis.
 30. The method of claim 28, wherein thecondition comprises at least one of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease,nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, cirrhosis, primary biliary cholangitis,primary sclerosing cholangitis, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis,systemic lupus erythematosus, lupus nephritis, cutaneous lupus,rheumatoid arthritis, type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, atherosclerosis,diabetic kidney disease, psoriasis, and multiple sclerosis.